Texas Education Agency approved credited course for Texas public schools.
Created by Lauren Galley - Girls Above Society
PEIMS Code: N1260001
My generation and those who follow me are growing up in a world of "Noise"...Cyber Noise. Without the proper tools and education, youth are at a much greater risk of participating or being a victim of cyber-bullying, human trafficking, loss of identity and suicide. During my middle school years I experienced the wrath of a cyber-bully. I was lucky. Unlike youth who lack confidence and mentors, I found the strength and confidence within my support system to push through, not allowing myself to become a silenced statistic. When parents give their young children a cell phone, computer or tablet, these powerful devices become their lifeline connectivity to all things throughout the world. Wouldn't you want your child to be cyber smart? In order to surf one must be able to ride the wave!
I spent the summer of 2014 preparing a presentation for Senator Donna Campbell's office. I met with her staff and shared my passion for implementing a Cyber Citizenship curriculum in Texas public schools. I was met with enthusiasm and support that led me to speaking with Shelly Ramos, Director of the Texas Education Agency. Again, this conversation could not have gone any better. From that moment I spent the next 9 months preparing the Cyber Citizenship Innovative Course and I'm so excited to announce that it has been approved by the Texas Education Agency and will serve as state graduation credit beginning in the 2015-2016 school year for all Texas High School grades 9-12. I am grateful to Senator Donna Campbell and her staff for guiding me and supporting my efforts. Thank you TEA for believing in my fight for youth to have the opportunity to learn the tools to be safe and cyber smart.
Congratulations on your Cyber Citizenship Innovative Course being approved by the T.E.A. Lauren, I think what you are doing is so impressive. What an accomplishment and what an amazing thing to have in our schools. Way to go and keep up the great work. ~ James Holcomb - Aide for Jon Oliver, Director of Communications with Senator Donna Campbell.
Why Cyber Citizenship?
Today’s student’s main means of communication is cyber-based. Studies show that 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online with an average of ten hours and forty-five minutes spent online daily. (http://kff.org/disparities-policy/press-release/daily-media-use-among-children-and-teens-up-dramatically-from-five-years-ago/; http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/teens-fact-sheet/) The evolution of technology has taken issues that were once overt and visible in the classroom to the abstract world of online communication.
This course will educate students regarding evolving platforms of social media and familiarize them with their use. It will highlight the controversial issues associated with social media, including the laws regarding social media, sexting and online harassment.
Activities in this course include the analysis and application of various forms of social media platforms, a study of laws concerning online aggression and safety, and the use of learned technology that will further engage students in academics.
69% of teachers and 40% of young people said that more should be taught about online aggression and cyber safety through the national curriculum. (http://nobullying.com/cyberbullying-bullying-statistics-2014-finally/) However, 43% of teachers said their school did not currently teach anything about online aggression and cyber safety. (http://nobullying.com/cyberbullying-bullying-statistics-2014-finally/) This course will address the issues teachers feel take away from the core classes and give students a necessary perspective into social media as they head into their high school career. This is unique since it addresses a need teachers feel they don’t have the expertise or time to address.
Course Highlights
Evaluate the positive benefits and negative risks of sharing information online.
Gain an understanding of their digital footprint in both a positive and negative context and will analyze social media platforms.
Obtain an effective understanding of the importance of cyber laws and the ramifications of the students online behavior in relation to those laws.
Evaluate leadership qualities and the transfer of those qualities from the cyber world to face to face interaction.
Acquire a knowledge of how to identify spam and phishing in order to keep private information protected online.
Master protecting one's self from cyber crime in order to keep their online character and personal welfare unimpaired.
Grasp the various ways to maintain safety of their data by avoiding data loss by backing their information up and understanding the various saving location options.