Classroom Connections Around the World

#DigCItIMPACT Talks

Tweet & Talk Panel with EduMatch

Be a #DigCitChampion at a #DigCitSummit

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1. Get informed

Dr. Olurinola Oluwakemi is an EduTech Consultant in Nigeria, and spoke at the DigCit Summit Cameroon last year. 

“Parents don't need to shy away from the guiding and guarding their children through the use of technology and while online. They need to know and  help their children understand that there are consequences for what they do online just as they are in real life. Parents need to know that more than just blocking objectionable content or materials is teaching kids safe and responsible online behavior and keeping an eye on their technology use.”

Tola Olayefun, who provides much of the energy behind the DigCit movement in Africa, and organized the first DigCit Summit in Nigeria, agrees:

“Parents need to be educated about responsible, appropriate and savvy use of technology as well as behavior in the online world. This way they can educate their children/family so they all can enjoy the full benefits of the digital world.”

Maria Zabala Pino is a leading thinker in EdTech, parent expert, and organizer of the second DigCit Summit in Spain:

“The most important thing would be to realize that the key in living a safe and positive digital life relies on behavior, awareness and information. If we know more about what we use and how it works, if we make informed decisions, if we think before digitally acting and if we learn to protect and respect ourselves and others, being good digital citizens and raising good digital citizens will be a not simple but yet easier process.”

Ben Cogswell, award winning educator from California and organizer of the upcoming DigCitSummit California agrees that it’s about being informed, but also optimistic about what tech can do for our kids, if we know how to use it properly:

“It can be a great tool for creativity, exploration, information, connections, and more. Like any tool, kids need to be show how to use it correctly and supported in their usage.”

2. Be a role model

Kemi: “Our kids learn most by the example we set before them. We, as parents need to model what good digital citizenship looks like for our children. They learn more by what we do more than what we say. These can be done by spending time online together to teach them appropriate online behavior. Keep the computer in a common area where it can be easily monitored. Bookmarking favorite sites for easy access to the children. Create a safe and open environment for children to share freely and take seriously whatever reports made by them.”

Tola agrees and wants to see parents, “become full role models regarding responsible and appropriate use of technology and the internet.”

Ben sees parents’ role as modeling positive behaviors and providing practical guidance for when kids are ready to enter the digital world themselves: “I think that before we just hand kids a phone, we need to have lots of conversations about it. Just like kids have a learner permit before they can drive we need to help them learn how to use it safely, productively, while staying healthy.”

3. Do it together

Ben: “I think a key is taking time to do it TOGETHER. You can explore fun filters and photography, and discuss self image. Take some time to learn something new on Youtube. Play a game together and then have a conversation about it after.“

Maria: “I love when I see families talking about what they do, enjoy, fear, dislike, prefer or hate in their digital lives. I think it’s extremely important to normalize technology, make it part of family life through shared moments, shared conversations and shared learning.”

Proactive government and institutions

Tola Olayefun, the founder of Resources in Flow, provides much of the energy behind the digital citizenship movement in Africa, and organized the first DigCitSummit in Nigeria believes government intervention is a requirement for ensuring wider access to the web:

“Nigeria is the 7th connected country to the internet in the world. However, 85% of that connection is via mobile.  Over 90 million of Nigeria’s 195 million population are connected to the internet, so the vast majority of the population still don’t have access.

More focused, conscious effort by the government is needed. There is currently a public private partnership trying to develop a broadband strategy that will make national broadband access possible to most homes therefore increasing internet user penetration.”

Echoing these thoughts, Maria Zabala Pino, a leading thinker in EdTech, a parent expert, and organizer behind DigCitSummit Spain shares:

“Public entities and private organizations could do more to increase awareness about the reality of those who would profit from access to technology, instead of just focusing on digital education for those who have granted access. But I think the real immediate change would come from a responsible media coverage of all things regarding digital citizenship from a social wellbeing and equality in chances point of view.”

Ben Cogswell, award winning educator from California and organizer of the upcoming DigCitSummit California added a suggestion for radical governmental action:

“The internet should be looked at like public media. For example, everyone has access to radio, and television, [so] why not technology? Technology in some ways has helped people connect. For example, people from all over the world can play an MMORPG like World of Warcraft, and differences dwindle. On the other hand, it can also be used to drive use apart with hate speech and such. Overall, I think it can bring use more together than separate us.  We do need to make sure to keep the internet free, fair, and open to all to ensure this continues.”

Concluding thoughts shared by Eugenia Tamez, a digital citizenship and educational technology consultant, and the organizer who brought the DigCitSummit to Mexico highlight the importance government and educational institutions play:

“Definitely we need a BIG change, besides sharing information with families and schools, we need government support, massive campaigns about positive technology use, inclusion and accessibility.  [We should] Include Digital Citizenship in every school curriculum and/or academic program, especially public schools academic programs and books, [as] they reach every student in the country by law.”

2. Changing the narrative

David Pollard an educator from Ireland, the organizer for the DigSummit in Ireland, and a leader in helping people to build EdTech Start-Ups, and someone with a real passion for inclusion and accessibility in the digital world:

“When we look around, we have this sense of norm, but I’ve come to realise that the norm we have in our minds, really is not the norm that we should have. Everyone is different, whatever way it might be. They might learn in a different way, they might look a bit different to everyone else.

But actually, being different is the most normal thing in the world.
 
We need to take everybody’s voice and act accordingly on that!"

Maria: “At least in my country, accessibility and inclusion is still a minor topic. It’s so much easier, when speaking about people and their use of technology, to focus on dangers, mistakes and concerns about what happens in the general group of people who have an easy access to digital tools… There are strong initiatives working on enhancing access to people who don’t have it, but political-social agendas keep focusing on what to do avoid problems among people who already have the access. This should change, including both topics.”

Dr. Olurinola Oluwakemi (Kemi), an EdTech consultant in Nigeria who recently spoke at the DigCitSummit Cameroon last year and will be speaking at DigCitSummit Kenya in October shared:

“I think a lot of discussion is going on with respect to accessibility and inclusion with technology use. And it's beginning to get the right kind of attention by technology service and product providers.”

3. Respect and positivity

Eugenia: “Being empathetic, we need to understand the other person´s perspective, to make a change. Being kind, to create ripples of good, in the real and online world.”

Kemi: “Creating an environment that works for everyone, ensuring involvement of everyone in creating this environment. Defining goals on appropriate and ethical use of technology. Be an advocate, friend, protector, and let them know that we are in this together.”

Ben: “Just make sure that we do our best to stay positive. Reach out to people of difference, and respect others. Don't be a troll. Leave a positive presence in the place you visit.”

Maria: “Respect would be a number 1 behavior [change] for me. Only if we forget about prejudice and respect what others think can we really make a better society, digital or otherwise. We tend to have an opinion and make it final, but there are many issues and actions that could make us better. There are practical ways to improve access or to make the web more inclusive, but these practical initiatives would lead nowhere if we don’t understand that, once we all use technology, respect for the difference is key. Fighting crime or hate is a different issue, freedom of speech is yet to be wholly defined when it comes to having a voice online, but respect is fundamental and still quite scarce.”