Journal 3: "Students Need a Digital Driver's License Before They Start Their Engines"- Learning and Leading With Technology (NETS 4)

Swan, G., & Park, M. (2012-13). Students need a digital driver’s license before they start their engines. Learning and Leading with technology, 40(4), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201212?pg=28&search_term=driverslicense

Summary: Gerry Swan and Marty Park outline the importance of teaching online responsibility and etiquette by comparing the situation to new drivers on the road. As it would be dangerous to allow drivers to take on the responsibility of driving without any training, it is dangerous for students to venture into the internet without knowing what they are doing. Many schools, especially ones that have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, are requiring students to partake in an online license program that teaches the ins and outs of internet safety. Through scenarios presented throughout the program, students can understand the situations they may encounter while working online. As our society is leaning on technology more and more, it is vital that students know how to maneuver through the Internet and work with digital devices in a safe way. The Internet is a significant tool, but it can be dangerous when not approached cautiously or wisely, which is why the points in this article should be considered by educators. A program like the one Swan and Park discuss showcase NETS 4 as it touches on responsibility online and teaches safety and respect while using the Internet.

Q1: Could you aim a digital driver’s license toward a younger audience?
A1: Yes, I think that teaching digital responsibility toward younger students, even fourth or fifth graders, is a great idea. As the technological craze continues to grow, students are getting involved with the Internet at much younger ages than five or ten years ago. With this in mind, it would be silly to wait until high school to teach online etiquette. Introducing the concept of online responsibility to children may help them approach the Internet in a better, and much safer, way. This in turn would start a chain reaction of all around wiser Internet users for the future.

Q2: How can high school teachers make time for students to obtain a digital driver’s license?
A2: High school teachers could help their students become responsible Internet users by making sure they have learned about Internet safety through a digital driver’s license program. Time could be made for something like this by incorporating it into another lesson. For example, if students are doing a research project, they might be required to obtain this license before they begin their research. Teachers could tie together the credibility of sources with the credibility of the Internet as a whole. With this connection, students may be able to better internalize the caution they should take while using online resources, which includes being wise about what they read and believe.