TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Oct 9, 2022
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
My Social Media Life - Common Sense Education
Grades
6 to 9
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This lesson provides resources for guiding middle-school students in learning about the role of social media in their lives, especially the effect of social media on relationships....more
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This lesson provides resources for guiding middle-school students in learning about the role of social media in their lives, especially the effect of social media on relationships. The lesson plan takes approximately forty-five minutes to complete; however, an alternative suggestion shares a fifteen-minute quick activity. Resources provided include a slide presentation, video, student handouts, and family take-home information. Also available is the correlation to Common Core ELA, CASEL, AASL, and ISTE Standards. You will need to sign in to access this free lesson and resources.
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this lesson plan for use with lessons on media literacy, social media, or social-emotional learning. Engage students by creating visual mindmaps or flow charts using Coggle, reviewed here. For example, create a mind map with different social platforms and ask students to share the pros and cons of using each tool. Use a flow chart to share suggestions on how to address common issues that occur through the use of social media and relationships. As a final activity, ask students to create interesting video presentations using Typito, reviewed here. Typito's drag and drop interface includes free templates, drag and drop features, and the ability to personalize and share content easily.
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Who Is in Your Online Community? - Common Sense
Grades
K to 3
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This lesson plan for second graders guides students through the "Rings of Responsibility" as they learn to think critically about how people of different communities connect on the...more
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This lesson plan for second graders guides students through the "Rings of Responsibility" as they learn to think critically about how people of different communities connect on the Internet. In addition to the lesson plan, links on the site include a slide presentation, student handouts, and take-home resources to promote family understanding and engagement. This lesson shares a link providing correlation with Common Core ELA, CASEL, AASL, and ISTE Standards. Free registration at Common Sense is required to access this lesson plan.
In the Classroom
Engage students in learning about the Internet with this lesson plan by using age-appropriate multimedia resources. For example, during the warmup activity, students share their ideas on "What is the Internet?" Use IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, to record student responses. As the lesson progresses, students discuss the Rings of Responsibility that begin with the individual student and build to include the world. Use CirclyApp, reviewed here to create and build a graphic visualization of the rings as you discuss them. Finally, at the end of the lesson, students share their reflections explaining the difference between their community and the world. Instead of using the paper handout, ask students to create their reflection using AutoDraw, reviewed here. AutoDraw makes it easy for even young students to add text, draw, and share simple drawings. Use the AutoDraw option to turn students' drawings into professional drawings! When finished, take screenshots of student drawings to share on your class webpage.
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Google Digital Literacy & Citizenship Curriculum - Google and iKeepSafe
Grades
5 to 9
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Google and iKeepSafe present a three-part standards-based curriculum teaching digital literacy and citizenship for middle school students. Each class focuses on a different component...more
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Google and iKeepSafe present a three-part standards-based curriculum teaching digital literacy and citizenship for middle school students. Each class focuses on a different component of safe online use. For example, the first class explores how to evaluate the credibility of online information, the second focuses on maintaining a positive online reputation, and the final course teaches students how to avoid online tricks and scams. All courses include a printable lesson plan, student handouts, and links to videos included in the lessons. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Incorporate the videos and lessons into your current digital literacy curriculum as needed, or use them as a stand-alone curriculum to address digital literacy lessons in your classroom. Engage students as you begin lessons using an interactive whiteboard such as IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, to create a digital KWL class response instead of using the printable KWL handout included in the course. Enhance instruction when using the shared videos using playposit, reviewed here, to create an interactive learning environment that places comments, questions, surveys, and polls directly onto the video. Extend learning by asking students to become the instructor using a video conversation platform such as Threadit, reviewed here. For example, ask students to use the tutorial template to create lessons to share with younger students on different aspects of digital literacy. The template is customizable and includes a step-by-step outline for creating a video tutorial featuring one or more speakers.
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Digital Citizenship: Technological Literacy - PBS Learning Media
Grades
K to 12
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Proper use and understanding of using technology responsibly are essential for all students to acquire. This offering from PBS Learning Media focuses on Digital Citizenship concerning...more
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Proper use and understanding of using technology responsibly are essential for all students to acquire. This offering from PBS Learning Media focuses on Digital Citizenship concerning technological literacy. Each of the fifty-three included videos helps students understand concepts such as understanding the role of influencers on social media, editorial accuracy, and why many people are susceptible to disinformation. Each video is relatively short in length, running from around five to fifteen minutes. Look for the icon with "SM" located at the bottom of some of the descriptions; these videos include additional support materials for use in the classroom.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many videos and resources found on this site to include with your digital citizenship lessons. Engage students in learning about digital citizenship using playposit, reviewed here, to add notes, questions, and student-teacher interactions to any video. Enhance the learning experience by including these videos and your other resources into a digital lesson using Curipod, reviewed here. Extend learning by asking students to share their learning using different technology tools. For example, have some students create a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, while others create and share video presentations made with Animoto, reviewed here.
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Copyright & Creativity for Ethical Digital Citizens - Copyright & Creativity.org
Grades
K to 12
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Digital Literacy is an important topic to teach to students, and understanding copyright is increasingly essential as all students are now publishers and creators. This site provides...more
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Digital Literacy is an important topic to teach to students, and understanding copyright is increasingly essential as all students are now publishers and creators. This site provides a free curriculum for all grade levels to teach copyright and fair use. Choose from one of the three grade-level bands - elementary, middle school, or high school to access the shared lessons. Each of the grade-level content areas includes lessons, slides, videos, and all materials needed to teach the curriculum fully. In addition to the student lessons, Copyright & Creativity also includes an on-demand teaching unit for professionals that is hosted on Canvas, reviewed here. Videos included with the lessons are hosted on YouTube.
In the Classroom
Utilize the free curriculums offered on this site to teach students (and yourself) about the proper use of copyright. If you are unable to download the videos, this site recommends viewing the videos using View Pure, reviewed here, to remove all of the annoying "extras" included with YouTube videos. As you teach lessons and ask students to brainstorm ideas or compare and contrast information, use a graphic organizer tool such as Popplet, reviewed here, to create and save visual displays of students' ideas that include both text and images. Ask students to include a link to their Popplet organizer on Seesaw, reviewed here, along with original drawings, recordings, or other materials created during your unit. As a final project, extend learning by asking students to create a tutorial about copyright based upon their knowledge. Provide a variety of resources for creating the tutorial as a way to differentiate learning. Examples of some tools to include are Book Creator, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express Video Maker, reviewed here, or create an infographic using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here.
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DigCitCommit - ISTE
Grades
K to 12
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DigCitCommit provides resources for educators to teach and learn about digital citizenship. Based on a series of five competencies, DigCitCommit offers resources including curriculum,...more
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DigCitCommit provides resources for educators to teach and learn about digital citizenship. Based on a series of five competencies, DigCitCommit offers resources including curriculum, online courses, teaching guides, and more from its digital partners. Another feature found on the site is the DigCitCommit Live Event. Participate in the live event and share what digital citizenship looks like through a video, podcast, blog, or any of the other ideas shared in the event. Provided by a coalition of organizations including Google, Facebook, Newsela, and others, this initiative is committed to providing information to support the understanding of digital citizenship and well-being.
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to use as a resource as you teach about digital citizenship. Learn about the five competencies, then use them as a basis for instruction. Encourage students to become engaged in the conversation by sharing their understanding of different topics. For example, as you teach about the concept of being aware, use a concept mapping resource like mindmaps, reviewed here, for students to visualize and share ideas related to being aware of online actions. As you continue in your lessons of awareness, enhance student learning by incorporating teaching strategies to encourage students to personalize learning experiences through the use of journals or blogs. edublogs, reviewed here, is an excellent blogging tool that provides a safe resource for student writing in addition to providing you the ability to moderate content and privacy settings. As students develop an understanding of each competency, encourage them to continue learning and applying the lessons to their everyday use of online resources. Have groups of students become experts in different competencies and share their knowledge with younger students through the creation of explainer videos using Clipchamp, reviewed here, podcasts using PodcastGenerator, reviewed here, or digital books created with Book Creator, reviewed here.
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Social Media Test Drive - Cornell University and the Cornell Research Foundation, Inc
Grades
4 to 12
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Social Media Test Drive provides a series of interactive modules offering practice in digital citizenship skills through a social media simulation. Each module includes tutorials, guided...more
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Social Media Test Drive provides a series of interactive modules offering practice in digital citizenship skills through a social media simulation. Each module includes tutorials, guided activities, and opportunities for reflection. Topics include how to shape your digital footprint, online privacy, addressing cyberbullies, and how to recognize and identify "fake news." The Teacher's Guide provides ideas on using the site along with key terms and information found within the modules.
In the Classroom
Share these modules for students to complete during any lessons on Internet safety. Ask students to contribute to a collaborative document sharing examples they have seen of cyberbullying or deceptive news practice. Replace pencil and paper notetaking by sharing an online tool such as Webnote, reviewed here, for students to use to take notes on any website. When finished, have them share their notes using the URL created for use in classroom discussions. Reinforce online safety concepts through gameplay using Baamboozle, reviewed here. Enhance student learning by asking students to create a game in Baamboozle for their peers to play to identify best practices in creating a safe online presence. After completing your digital safety unit, modify classroom technology use and extend learning by asking students to create explainer videos using FlexClip, reviewed here, with suggestions on how to identify fake news, how to create a positive digital footprint or ways to support peers when faced with cyberbullying. Share student videos on your class website and with younger students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Digital Civics Toolkit - MacArthur Research Network
Grades
8 to 12
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The Digital Civics Toolkit contains five high-quality modules and resources for teaching civic potentials of digital life. Topics include Participate, Investigate, Dialogue, Voice,...more
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The Digital Civics Toolkit contains five high-quality modules and resources for teaching civic potentials of digital life. Topics include Participate, Investigate, Dialogue, Voice, and Action. Each module consists of a conversation starter with ideas for discussion questions, activity ideas, extension activities, some have a video, and closing reflections. Each module provides background resources for educators. If your school blocks YouTube be sure to look at alternatives for sharing the conversation starters and other videos on classroom computers.
In the Classroom
Save yourself some time, and use these excellent free modules on this site during online safety lessons. Share this site with your school's counselor for use during digital awareness activities. Instead of using paper and pencil to record ideas during brainstorming sessions, use an online bulletin board like Padlet, reviewed here, to organize and record student responses. Padlet offers tools for participants to share links and add comments to posts. As students develop responses to prompts, replace paper and pencil and ask them to create simple web pages to share their ideas and include support for their position using a simple webpage creation tool like Jimdo, reviewed here. Add a link to each student or group's web pages onto your class website to share the variety of ideas and resources shared by the class. Enhance learning and use Acast, reviewed here, to create podcasts featuring student's sharing tips for being digitally aware and share with your school community.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ruff Ruffman - Humble Media Genius - PBS Kids
Grades
1 to 6
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Ruff Ruffman is a comical canine who sets out to teach kids (ages 6-11) about being a responsible digital citizen. Short animated video clips answer questions about posting photos,...more
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Ruff Ruffman is a comical canine who sets out to teach kids (ages 6-11) about being a responsible digital citizen. Short animated video clips answer questions about posting photos, texting, and searching, reminding kids to ask an adult for help with the more difficult undertakings like finding a kid-friendly search engine. This program also has discussion questions for parents and teachers and interactive quizzes. Creating an account isn't required to use any material on the site. To create an account, you will need a username and a random password will be assigned, which can you can change later.
In the Classroom
Introduce Ruff Ruffman with a projector or interactive whiteboard, showing students all of the different questions Ruff will answer. Then either view the video shorts and quizzes as a class, or allow students to view the video shorts and take the interactive quizzes at a computer center. As a substitute for paper and pencil, have students use a video response tool like Flip, reviewed here, to reflect on their learning and share tips for their peers. To extend student learning, require students to view their peer's reflections and make thoughtful comments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Adventures of Kara, Winston and the SMART Crew - Childnet International
Grades
2 to 6
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Here you will find 5 e-safety SMART cartoons for ages 7 to 11. These videos are all about being SMART online. Click on Teachers & professionals and slide to resources ...more
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Here you will find 5 e-safety SMART cartoons for ages 7 to 11. These videos are all about being SMART online. Click on Teachers & professionals and slide to resources to search by age or topic for other activities. The suggested recommendation from the creators is to implement activities throughout several weeks; however, it is possible to complete as a one-time activity.
In the Classroom
Any teacher will benefit from the free materials and activities on this site to teach online safety to students either directly through these materials, or as additional resources to your current online safety materials. As a substitute for links on paper or in a word processing tool, use a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo, reviewed here, to share online resources with students on classroom computers and your class website. Enhance student understanding by challenging students to create digital books teaching online safety using Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator includes tools for adding videos, images, and more into books.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Interland - Google
Grades
2 to 6
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Master five core principals of Internet safety through gameplay with Interland. Choose from four different lands to learn how to deal with phishers, hackers, over-sharers, and bullies....more
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Master five core principals of Internet safety through gameplay with Interland. Choose from four different lands to learn how to deal with phishers, hackers, over-sharers, and bullies. Interland is part of a larger Internet safety site from Google, Be Internet Awesome, reviewed here.
In the Classroom
Include Interland as part of any digital safety unit. Add a link to games on classroom computers for use as a center. Be sure to include a link on your class web page for students to play at home. Share this site with parents during Open House or Meet the Teacher sessions as a resource for teaching Internet safety at home. Have students or groups collect ideas and suggestions for staying safe on the web using Dotstorming, reviewed here. The Dotstorming application creates free online bulletin boards that can include comments and voting. Have students make a multimedia presentation sharing Internet safety advice using Genially, reviewed here. Genially allows you to add polls, videos, embeds, web links, PowerPoint, and PDFs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Be Internet Awesome - Google
Grades
2 to 6
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Be Internet Awesome is a series of resources from Google to teach digital safety. Resources include Interland, reviewed here, an online interactive...more
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Be Internet Awesome is a series of resources from Google to teach digital safety. Resources include Interland, reviewed here, an online interactive that offers participants the opportunity to practice skills to combat phishers, hackers, and cyber bullies. The free curriculum, available for download, is best suited for grades 3-5; however, it is easily adaptable to other grade levels. Other features from the site include a teacher training course, an Internet safety poster, and certificates and badges for students. All features of this site align to ISTE Standards.
In the Classroom
Discover the many free resources for teaching digital safety offered on this site. Share a link on your class website for parents. Include the interactive game as part of a computer center during Internet safety lessons. Use the free lesson plan to teach digital safety either as a one-time unit or as mini-units throughout the school year. Enhance learning by having cooperative learning groups create podcasts discussing digital safety information. Use a site such as Buzzsprout, reviewed here, to create the podcasts.
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Digital Citizenship Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This editor's choice curated list of reviewed resources focuses on digital citizenship. Explore topics such as: protecting your digital footprint, protecting your identity, "netiquette,"...more
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This editor's choice curated list of reviewed resources focuses on digital citizenship. Explore topics such as: protecting your digital footprint, protecting your identity, "netiquette," and much more. Find varying levels of information for different age groups and materials to help parents cooperate in educating their children about digital citizenship.
In the Classroom
Use this entire collection or simply select the best ones for YOUR students to continually model good digital citizenship. Share the links with parents and among your colleagues so you can promote positive action instead of fear about the Internet.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office - United States Patent and Trademark Office
Grades
3 to 12
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection....more
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection. USPTO features "collectible" cards of inventor profiles, activities at different levels - including videos about the paticulars of patents, trademarks, and more. In another video section are videos with age appropriate appeal, and titles like Driverless Cars, Bionic Limbs, Biofuels, Electronic Tattoos, and more. The invention and design focus of most of the activities makes for perfect STEM and "maker space" lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Whether an elementary, middle, or high school teacher you'll find ideas for building model rockets and more. Use an interactive whiteboard or projector and start by viewing the video on the home page titled Extraordinary Innovations. Or, in your blended or flipped class have students watch the video at home and enhance their learning by using playposit, reviewed here, to take notes, make comments, or ask questions to document what they learned from the video. Be sure to have a small or whole group discussion about what they learned from the video using their notes & comments the next day! At the end of your lesson or unit on patents and trademarks, transform learning by challenging students to create a timeline for the invention of the snowboard, or motorcycles, or another topic of interest. Why not modify classroom technology and make this an interactive timeline with music, photos, videos, and more using Timeline JS, reviewed here.
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