Over the last few weeks our students, teachers and staff reflected on and gave feedback about an essential document at MJDS – Student Blogging Responsibilities. This document defines how we should engage with the world through our blogs and as Digital Citizens. Our core values were the driving force behind these expectations and we believe that every student will, through mistakes, grow to become thoughtful, curious and empathetic learners. We’ve created a safe space for our students to learn out loud and hope you will join us in this journey.

In the next few days please take some time to read this document together with your student(s) and discuss what it means, how to consistently meet these expectations and build trust by making sure you both agree that mistakes will occur and that is a wonderful way to grow. Ask yourself this question – Have you always chosen to be a responsible digital citizen? There’s a good chance you’ve made some mistakes and that is a great place to start the conversation with your student(s).

 

Student Blogging Responsibilities

When you press PUBLISH, what you have written is instantly visible all around the world. Make sure you think carefully about what you write in blogs and in comments and always follow these expectations.

From Me to We: Questioning, Connecting and Learning with the World

My Responsibilities as a Contributor

1. To share only what I want the world to know.
   • Think carefully about what I write, keeping in mind it may be available to me and my parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, co-workers, peers, admissions directors, employers, etc. in the future.
   • My blog exists as a public space on the Internet. When I put something on the Internet, odds are really good that it will ALWAYS stay on the Internet.

2. To treat our “blogging spaces” as “school learning spaces”.

• I use appropriate language and am sure that anything I post I am proud of and am prepared to take responsibility for. My post doesn’t have to be perfect.

3. To protect our personal information and use only school assigned usernames and email addresses.

• Never EVER, EVER give out or record personal information (my info or anyone else’s) on my blog.
• No names, nick names, phone numbers, home addresses, IM screen names, personal email addresses, etc.

4.  To respect others in my posts and comments, whether writing about a person, an organization, and event or just a general idea.

• When I write my opinion on a topic, I will write with sensitivity, empathy and wonder and try my best to make sure I am not going to offend anyone in my posts or comments.

5. To always check over my posts and comments for spelling errors, grammatical errors, and use of words. My post does not need to be perfect.

• I take the extra step of proof reading and using spellcheck first before posting on my blog.

6. To confirm the things I write about are factual, I will link to my sources.

• I will only link to things I have read and understand completely.
• When I link to something or someone, I will make sure it is what I really want to be associated with.
• If a link contains material that might make some people uncomfortable, I will warn readers by adding a note of caution.

7. To be aware of copyright, especially with sounds and images.

• I will make sure what I use is copyright free.
• Just because I find it on the internet does not mean I am free to use it without permission.

8. To keep all posts and comments learning-oriented.

• Stick to topics set in class.
• Create and reply to all posts and comments in ways that grow conversation and extend the learning.