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2023 - Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy

Policy: 2023

Section: 2000 – Instruction

Title: Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy

Status: Active

Adopted: September 29, 2026

Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy

PURPOSE

In recognition of the fact that students use technology to play, learn, and communicate while at home and at school, it is important that they learn how to use that technology responsibly. The District is committed to educating every student on how to use technology in ways that augment their learning experience. As the District’s educators guide exploration of the digital landscape, they will encourage students to be critical and creative thinkers.  The District supports a human-centered approach to technology, where tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are used to augment and streamline human endeavors rather than substitute for human instruction.

 

DEFINITIONS

The District is dedicated to promoting and instilling principles of digital citizenship and media literacy in each of its students. 

 

Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship includes the norms of appropriate, responsible, and healthy behavior related to current technology use, including artificial intelligence, digital and media literacy, ethics, etiquette, and security. It includes the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, develop, produce, and interpret media, as well as Internet safety and cyberbullying prevention and response.

 

 

Media Literacy

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using a variety of forms of communication. This includes understanding how media messages are constructed—including those generated by AI—and the purposes for which they are used.

 

 

Human-Centered AI - Human to AI to Human (H to AI to H)

Consistent with District philosophy, AI use follows a continuum where the process starts with human inquiry and ends with human reflection, insight, and empowerment. AI is viewed as a tool to support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by providing diversified ways of representation, action/expression, and engagement to ensure all learners have equal access to education.

Artificial Intelligence

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing set of technologies for capturing data to detect patterns and automate decisions. AI has become an increasingly important part of our lives, and it is essential for students to understand when and how to use it effectively and ethically. AI tools can enhance classroom learning, and their implementation should be guided with proper training, ethical considerations, and responsible oversight.

INSTRUCTION AND CURRICULUM

The District aspires to provide age-appropriate instruction in digital citizenship, media literacy, and the ethical use of AI.

  • Ethical AI Integration: Instruction should emphasize transparency, positive digital citizenship, and the proper referencing of AI-generated content to avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement.
  • Future Ready Skills: Students will be encouraged to critically analyze AI-generated content for potential bias and misinformation, weaving technology together with human inquiry to become "Future Ready."
  • Academic Integrity: Students are expected to use technology in a manner that aligns with classroom expectations and fosters student independence.

 

 

 

DISTRICT SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

The District endeavors to provide resources for staff that offer guidance on the effective use of technology and AI within the instructional environment. These resources are intended to assist staff in establishing classroom expectations that align with the H to AI to H model and facilitate meaningful, learner-centric personalization.

 

Policy and Practices

The District acknowledges the need for digital and online policies that are dynamic and responsive to diverse community standards and student learning outcomes. The District will conduct an annual review of this policy and accompanying procedures regarding electronic resources, Internet safety, digital citizenship, and media literacy to ensure they remain responsive to community standards and technological advancements.

 

Communications and Engagement

The District acknowledges that parents and community stakeholders are partners in developing students as digital citizens and life-long learners. The District encourages parents’ active engagement in the process of educating students to become media-literate digital citizens. 

Adopted: 09.29.2026

 

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