This course is designed to familiarize teachers with digital citizenship and how to apply its nine elements in middle school classrooms. Over nine weeks, students will study each element, develop plans for teaching it, and create resources to educate their colleagues. Assessments include online discussions, a professional blog, a presentation, reviewing a school's technology policy, and a digital citizenship training plan. The instructor will be available virtually and expects students to regularly participate and complete assignments by posted deadlines.

1. Applying Digital Citizenship to the Middle School Classroom
3 semester hours
Instructor: Mrs. Teri Lance, Ed.S. in Instructional Technology,
Associate Professor of Education at American University,
Contact Email: telance@americanuniv.org
Contact Phone: (987) 654-3210
Virtual Office Hours: Tues- Fri 10 am EST- 3pm EST, and Mon- Tues, Thurs 6pm EST- 9 pm EST
Resources:
 Online Resources: The majority of our course readings will be online texts that are open access.
 Supplemental Text (This book is not required for purchase, but may be used for additional
guidance if so desired.) - Ribble, M., & Bailey, G. (2007). Digital citizenship in schools. Washington,
DC: ISTE. ISBN: 978-1-56484-232-9
Course Description:
This nine week course is designed to familiarize teachers and school personnel with the elements
of Digital Citizenship. In addition, the course will help them to explore how these elements can and
should affect their schools and classrooms. Throughout this course the teacher/ student will gain an
understanding of the importance of Digital Citizenship and its value in education.
Goals:
1. To research and be able to articulate the nine elements of Digital Citizenship.
2. To develop ideas for applying Digital Citizenship elements to the real world classroom.
Objectives:
1. The student will study, examine, and explore the specifics of the nine elements of Digital
Citizenship.
2. The student will present and explain the concepts of Digital Citizenship to colleagues.
3. The student will demonstrate critical thinking in relation to current technology policies.
4. The student will explore and develop plans for educating students in Digital Citizenship.
Assessments & Assignments:
 Discussion postings
 Professional Blog
 Professional Development Presentation
 Evaluation of School’s Acceptable Use Policy
 School Plan for Digital Citizenship Training

2. Instructor and student interaction expectations:
 The student is expected to log into the class a minimum of four times weekly. The student should
contribute to class discussions, work diligently to meet deadlines, and participate in groups work
in a professional, timely, and effective manner. The student is expected to keep the teacher
informed of questions or issues that may hinder performance in advance of deadlines (at least 12
hours prior). In addition, the student should be helpful to classmates during the course. We are a
community and students are expected to be a valuable part of that community.
 In turn, the teacher is available during posted virtual hours, both via email and in the course, and
can be reached in emergencies via American University email, which will be checked daily. The
teacher is here for your support and should be consulted immediately when there are concerns or
questions.
Grading system:
Discussions and Postings: 15%
Professional Blog: 30%
Professional Development Presentation: 30%
Evaluation of School’s AUP: 10%
School Plan for Digital Citizenship Training: 15%
Policies:
Professionalism: You are expected to be a vital and participating member of this course as we all
seek to gain knowledge and expertise to improve our own craft. This means respecting
intellectual processes and products, regularly attending class (online and/or face-to-face),
completing assignments completely and correctly and with attention to detail, show willingness to
revise based on instructor or peer feedback, strive for creativity, demonstrate enthusiasm, be
helpful to peers, show self-reliance to enable independent learning, display courtesy in written
and oral communications, and exhibit cooperation in group work situations. (*adapted from
various VSU syllabus)
Participation: You are expected to log into the course regularly and show your presence through
discussion and or posted products regularly. The amount you interact with those in the class is
directly proportionate to your success. We are a team in this endeavor and interaction of the
academic and supportive nature is crucial.
Due Dates & Time (including zone): All work is DUE by midnight on Saturday night of the week
assigned. New weeks begin on Monday.
Tardy Work: All work is expected to be turned in on time. If the students has an issue and work
will be submitted late, they should contact the instructor prior to the original due date and

3. explain the circumstances, identifying their expected time of submission. The instructor will
approve or reject the extension as necessary.
Class Organization:
Week 1- Overview of Digital Citizenship
Week 2- Digital Access, Digital Commerce
Week 3- Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, & Digital Etiquette
Week 4- Digital Law, Digital Rights and Responsibilities
Week 5- Digital Health & Wellness, Digital Security
Week 6 –Exploration of Digital Citizenship Aspects in current practice
Week 7- Exploration of Digital Citizenship Aspects changes needed
Week 8- Application of Digital Citizenship Training Plans
Week 9- Final Presentations of Learning
Materials & Technical Requirements:
 Students will need access to a computer with internet connection as well as access to the
Microsoft Suite for product creation. In addition, students are recommended to download Mozilla
Firefox and/or Google Chrome to use as alternatives to Internet Explorer. Finally, students need
an active email they can use to register for various websites and services, they can use their
school account, but may choose to create a Google mail, hotmail, or yahoo account due to the
amount of junk mail that may ensue.
 Students will need access to sound, microphone, and video capabilities on their computer. We will
be viewing and listening to each other online, be sure your machine has the appropriate
components.
Standards of Academic Integrity- (Policy on plagiarism and cheating)
 Professional ethics, behavior, and quality are expected in all parts of the course. Material
obtained in any manner from other sources will not be accepted and may not be used without
proper APA citations. The use of any work or ideas besides your own is PLAGARISM and is not
condoned or accepted. It will require consequences.
 Cheating and plagiarism will be handled in an individual and specific manner as specified below.
o First offense: Zero on the assignment
o Second Offense: Failure of course
o Third Offense: Referral to University Disciplinary Board