In classrooms and media centers across the school district, GCPS students are learning the importance of digital citizenship and developing the habits of a responsible digital citizen—both as a critical consumer and a responsible producer of information. Common Sense, a non-profit that promotes digital citizenship and provides related educational resources to schools, has recognized a dozen Gwinnett schools as “Common Sense Schools.” This designation is awarded to schools that have demonstrated a commitment to digital citizenship by helping students think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. Gwinnett schools earning the Common Sense designation include Arcado ES, Bay Creek MS, Craig ES, Harmony ES, Knight ES, Lawrenceville ES, Osborne MS, Parsons ES, Paul Duke STEM HS, Pharr ES, Puckett’s Mill ES, and Rock Springs ES.
About Common Sense
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization helping to ensure digital well-being for kids. Since 2003, Common Sense has been the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools and a helpful resource for “need to know” information for families—by age group, topic, and app/platform.
Osborne MS Principal Kenney Wells says being a good digital citizen is more important now than ever before. “Osborne Middle has dedicated this school year to educating our community about our digital footprint, protecting ourselves online, and what it means to be a good digital citizen,” Mr. Wells says. “Recently in our science classes, students participated in a digital citizenship lesson on Digital Relationships and Communication and our Digital Citizenship page has relevant and current information to help students navigate their cyberworld.”
Penny Young, Arcado ES principals, adds that the lessons have real-world applications for students. “Our students are better equipped to navigate the digital world and use devices for learning,” she says. “The [Common Sense School] recognition acknowledges our school’s commitment to helping students build skills that are essential for their well-being today and for the opportunities they’ll have tomorrow.”
Find resources and learn more on the district’s Digital Citizenship web page and Digital Citizenship Pinterest board.