DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP LESSONS: HIGH SCHOOL

Learning Activity 3: Inclusive

A Message to the Educator

Welcome to the ISTE+ASCD’s Digital Citizenship Lessons for high school students,
developed in partnership with the Digital Citizenship Coalition. These lessons can be used
directly or adapted to meet specific classroom needs. The lessons are aligned with the five
DigCit Competencies: Balanced, Informed, Inclusive, Engaged, and Alert. They are cross-
aligned with the ISTE Student Standards, ensuring a forward-thinking and student-centered
educational framework. Lessons are designed for seamless integration across subjects,
enriching digital citizenship education with a cross-curricular approach.

Our primary aim is to provide engaging, meaningful experiences that encourage students
to interact deeply with the core concepts of each competency. To achieve this, we’ve
developed learning activities with a dual focus on flexibility and adaptability, allowing
educators to tailor the experience to their unique teaching styles and classroom dynamics.
While each activity is designed as a standalone experience, the inclusion of extension
suggestions and opportunities transforms these lessons into a springboard for teacher
innovation and creativity.

We understand that developmental readiness varies significantly across the high school
spectrum and across different classroom environments. To address this, each lesson within
this document has flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.

Through this series, we aspire to educate as well as inspire. We envision a classroom where
digital citizenship is not just taught but lived, empowering students to navigate the digital
world with confidence, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility. Welcome to the journey!

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Digital Citizenship Lessons: High School
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Learning Activity 3: Inclusive

Global Citizens
In this learning activity, students will foster cross-cultural understanding and global awareness in an online
cultural exchange.

SUBJECT ESTIMATED DURATION TARGET GRADES

Appropriate for all subject 120-160 minutes 9-12
areas

VOCABULARY DIMENSIONS OF A HEALTHY THE DO’S OF A DIGITAL

• Cross-cultural DIGITAL CITIZEN CITIZEN
understanding Digital Communication Skills What are the benefits
• Cultural Intelligence and challenges of an
• Empathy interconnected world through
digital technologies?

ISTE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

• 2.b Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including
in social interactions online or when using networked devices.
• 7.a Students use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures,
engaging with them in ways that broaden mutual understanding and learning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this activity, I will be able to:

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse individuals.

• Leverage digital communication tools to reduce language and communication barriers to facilitate
global dialogues.

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What is Inclusive?

Starting the Conversation

Cross-cultural understanding has become more important than ever as the world becomes
increasingly interconnected through the internet, blurring the lines across geographic borders.
We interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures worldwide that can expose us
to new value systems and perspectives. Cross-cultural understanding is not only about respecting diverse
perspectives but also about promoting effective and respectful communication. As digital citizens, we must
recognize that cultural differences exist and that they influence online interactions. By embracing this digital
diversity, we can be more inclusive and create a more harmonious digital world.
Note: This activity connects students with peers nationally or globally, extending beyond traditional lesson
plans to include cross-cultural exchange over several weeks. It requires prior coordination with a partner
classroom, which can be facilitated through networks like those found at International Society for Technology in
Education (ISTE) or programs like TakingITGlobal (TIG). This guide includes flexible stages for correspondence
and collaboration, emphasizing the enrichment of digital citizenship and global awareness.
Alternative Project: If there is concern regarding the time for this activity, you could adjust it by only sharing
the “about us” resources and then having the cultural exchange at which questions about the other location or
region would be discussed.
Preparation Work and Overview
• Preparation: Partner with a school in a different country or region to collaborate in a cultural exchange.
Identify communication technologies (i.e. video conferencing tools, asynchronous discussion forums,
translators) to broker the exchange, as not all tools and resources are accessible worldwide.
• Project Overview: "Digital Bridges" aims to foster understanding and collaboration between students
from different cultural backgrounds by exploring the impact of technology on society. Within this
broad framework, student groups will choose one of the six proposed themes (AI Ethics, Digital Equity,
Cybersecurity, Immersive Technology, Environmental Monitoring, or Technology and Mental Health) to
investigate and present their findings, emphasizing the cross-cultural implications and contributions
towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Personal and Shared Experience(s) (30 minutes)

• Initiating Activity
— Display the terms Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, and Cultural Intelligence.
Then play one of the commercials in this video that shows a respect for but
misunderstanding of different cultures.
— Individually: Students take a moment to think about these three terms and how they relate and
what they might mean.
— Pair Sharing: Students share their thoughts with their partner and discuss what might be involved
with cultural intelligence.
— Whole Group Discussion: Invite a few pairs to share their thoughts. Explain that you are beginning
a project that will involve the development of cultural intelligence and empathy.

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• Theme Selection and Group Formation

— Whole Group: Teachers introduce the project and the six themes. Students in each class identify
their theme of interest and form groups accordingly. The themes are:
— AI Ethics and Global Perspectives: Investigate how different cultures view the ethical implications
of artificial intelligence, including privacy concerns, automation's impact on employment, and AI in
healthcare.
— Digital Equity and the Future of Internet Access: Explore the potential of technologies like low-orbit
satellite internet, mesh networks, and other innovations to provide affordable, reliable access to
underserved populations. Will these emerging technologies bridge or widen the digital divide?
— Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign: Given the increasing reliance on digital technologies,
cybersecurity has become a crucial aspect of global digital citizenship to combat hacking, loss of
personal data and international cybercrimes.
— Immersive Technology for Global Education: Explore the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented
reality (AR) in education and job training, focusing on their potential to enhance learning and foster
empathy through immersive experiences.
— Environmental Monitoring and Data Sharing: Explore the potential and risks of using technology to
address environmental challenges through the use of simple IoT devices and global data sharing.
— Technology and Mental Health - A Global Dialogue: With the increasing recognition of the impact
of digital technologies on mental health, we explore this theme from a global perspective and
impact.
In Groups: Once the groups have been formed, you will want the other class to know something about
you. As part of a cultural exchange program, create a digital resource (e.g. video, slide deck, ePortfolio,
blog posts, or visual collages) that represent your culture to share with students from a different country
or region. Introduce each person in the group and then identify unique aspects of your region, culture, or
school.

Discovery (30 minutes)

Research and Development
• In-Class Group: Each group conducts research on their chosen theme, focusing on its
significance in their local context and exploring potential global implications.
• Collaborative Exchange: Groups share their findings with their international counterparts through
asynchronous communication methods (e.g., shared documents, forums, or pre-recorded videos) to
overcome language and time zone challenges. This exchange aims to provide different perspectives on
the same issue.

Application
Part 1: Project Creation (40 Minutes)
• In-Class Group: Utilizing the insights gained from the collaborative exchange, each group
develops a digital project (e.g., a video, digital poster, interactive presentation, or mini-
website) that addresses their theme. The project should highlight both local and global
perspectives and suggest ways technology can contribute to the UNSDGs. Provide the following
framework for students to strengthen their focus and increase clarity of communication with the other
class.

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Project Structure Framework

Each student group's project should utilize not only their own information but also what they learn from
the other culture/region to recognize the nuances that will be different in different areas of the world. The
projects should address the following key aspects:
— Introduction to the Technology
– Description: Provide a brief overview of the technology related to the chosen theme.
– Historical Context: Outline the development of this technology and its current state.
— Potential and Promises
– Benefits: Describe the potential benefits and positive impacts this technology could have
on society, including specific examples related to education, health, environment, etc.
– Promises: Highlight what experts, enthusiasts, and the media are saying about the future
possibilities of this technology.
— Concerns and Challenges
– Ethical Considerations: Discuss any ethical concerns associated with the technology,
including privacy issues, equity, and access.
– Societal Impact: Consider the potential negative impacts or challenges this technology
poses to society, culture, and the environment.
— Vision for the Future
– Optimistic Outlook: Based on research and cross-cultural exchange, outline a vision for
how this technology can be used to address global challenges and contribute to the
UNSDGs.
– Actionable Steps: Suggest practical steps or initiatives that could be taken to realize this
optimistic future, considering both local and global scales.
— Conclusion and Reflection
– Reflective Insights: Share what your group learned about the technology, its global
implications, and the value of cross-cultural perspectives in understanding and addressing
technological challenges.
– Call to Action: Conclude with a call to action, encouraging others to consider how they
might contribute to the positive development and ethical use of technology.
– Feedback Loop: Groups have the option to share drafts of their projects with their partner
group for feedback and suggestions, further enhancing cross-cultural collaboration.
Part 2 (40 minutes): Cross-cultural Showcase.
• Schedule the exchange and utilize appropriate and accessible technologies to reduce communication
barriers. Share the presentations with the partner school beforehand. Receive any resources or materials
from the partner school and share them with your class to prepare for a productive discussion.
— Host cross-cultural exchange.
— Introduce the school and the class of students.
— Invite student groups to share their presentations.
— Encourage students to ask follow-up questions or comments for an authentic discussion.
— Conclude the cross-cultural exchange.

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Reflection (5 minutes)
Take a moment to reflect on the cross-cultural experience.
• Whole Group Discussion: Consider the following questions and share your thoughts during
the whole group discussion:
— What was the most meaningful aspect of the exchange?
— Did you encounter any unexpected cultural differences or similarities?
— How did this experience shift your perspective on other cultures?

Materials
• Access to a computer lab or personal devices with internet connectivity.
• Digital communication platform accounts (e.g., email, educational forums, video
conferencing tools, etc.).
• Access to international collaboration platforms or networks (ISTE, TakingITGlobal, etc.) for partnering
with a school in a different country or region.
• Digital tools for creating shared documents or forums for collaborative exchange with the partner class.
• Software for creating digital resources to represent students' cultures.
• Translation tools or apps.
Project Creation Materials:
• Video editing software or online platforms for creating videos or digital posters.
• Presentation software for creating interactive presentations.
• Web development tools or platforms for those opting to create mini-websites.
• Creative materials for visual collages (digital tools or physical materials, depending on the project
format).
Cross-cultural Showcase Materials:
• Video conferencing setup for the cross-cultural exchange, including a reliable internet connection,
microphone, speakers, and camera.
• A digital platform for sharing presentations and resources with the partner school in advance.
• Feedback and reflection tools (e.g., digital surveys, questionnaires, discussion forums) for post-exchange
reflection.

Interdisciplinary Connections
Social Studies and History: Globalization and Cultural Exchange
• Comparative Study: Students create comparative studies of past and present technologies'
roles in cultural exchange and globalization, highlighting significant shifts in communication,
trade, and international relations. Use the project's emphasis on cross-cultural understanding
to explore historical instances of cultural exchange and the impact of globalization on
societies. Investigate how technology has shaped cultural identities and global relations historically and
in the present.
Language Arts: Narrative Writing and Media Literacy
• Published pieces: Students write their own narratives or journalistic pieces that explore the ethical
implications of AI, digital equity, or the other themes, incorporating perspectives learned from their

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international partners. Link the project's focus on digital communication and storytelling to narrative
writing and media literacy in Language Arts. Analyze how stories from different cultures are told and
shared through modern media.
Science: Environmental Science and Technology's Role
• Research Project: Students conduct a joint research project with their international partners, using
technology to monitor local environmental conditions, share data, and compare findings to understand
global environmental issues better. Tie the Environmental Monitoring and Data Sharing theme to
the study of environmental science, focusing on how technology aids in understanding and solving
environmental problems.
Mathematics: Data Analysis and Representation
• Data Literacy: Students work on a project that involves collecting data on a particular aspect related
to their theme, analyzing it using statistical methods, and presenting their findings in graphs, charts,
or interactive visualizations. Utilize the project's component of sharing and analyzing data (from the
environmental monitoring theme or cybersecurity threats) to teach mathematical concepts of data
analysis, statistical representation, and probability.
Art: Cultural Expression through Digital Media
• Digital Art: Students create digital art projects that express aspects of their culture or the culture of their
international partners, using software for digital painting, animation, or graphic design.
World Languages: Language Technology and Cultural Immersion
• Students use language learning apps to learn the basics of their partner's language, or create digital
language exchange experiences, such as virtual reality settings or video conversations, to practice
language skills in cultural contexts.

Extension Activities
• Global Technology Impact Conference: Organize a virtual conference where students can
present their projects to a wider audience, including students from other schools, experts
in the field, and community members. This could involve panel discussions, Q&A sessions,
and interactive workshops where students explore the topics they've researched including broader
implications and solutions.
• Collaborative International Project: Extend the collaboration by initiating a joint project with the partner
school that addresses a global issue identified during the initial project. This could be a community
service project, an environmental conservation initiative, or a technology development project that
students can work on together, utilizing digital tools for planning and implementation.
• Digital Storytelling of Cultural Histories: Encourage students to explore and share the history and stories
of their own and their partner's culture through digital storytelling. This could involve creating short
documentaries, animated stories, or digital books that highlight historical events, cultural traditions, or
notable figures, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of each other's backgrounds.
• Global Innovation Challenge: Host a global innovation challenge where students are tasked with
designing solutions to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) discussed in
their projects. This could be in the form of a hackathon, design sprint, or research project, culminating in
a showcase where students present their prototypes, research findings, or campaign strategies.

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• Technology and Society Blog or Podcast: Students can create a blog or podcast series that explores the
intersection of technology and society, building on their project themes. This could include interviews
with experts, discussions on recent technological advancements and their societal impacts, and
reflections on their learning and collaboration experiences.

Additional Resources
From ISTE+ASCD
• Standards Spotlight: Introduce students to our small, connected world with the Global
Collaborator standard (Includes list of ways to connect with others)
From others
• Funny, But True: Cultural Differences
• PBS LearningMedia Videos about Technology Issues
• How Does Technology Impact Our Culture?
• Tips for the Teacher Running a Cultural Exchange (from Harvard)
• Ideas for teaching the Global Collaborator ISTE standard

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Appendix
This section includes the Digital Citizenship goals tailored for each stage of student development by grade
level providing a clear, grade-specific framework that highlights the core and critical aspects of Digital
Citizenship. Within this framework, we outline the specifics for each of the five DigCit competencies, ensuring
that teachers have a focused and detailed roadmap for integrating these essential skills into their curriculum.
Our aim is to empower educators to cultivate informed, responsible, and engaged digital citizens, equipped
with the competencies necessary to navigate the digital world thoughtfully and ethically.

Grade 9: Enhancing Skills and Knowledge

In Grade 9, the digital citizenship journey intensifies as students engage deeply with concepts surrounding
responsible social media use and online safety, laying the groundwork for ethical digital interaction. This year
is characterized by a focused exploration into the complexities of navigating the online world, where students
critically assess the impact of their digital footprint and the permanence of online actions. Emphasizing digital
health and wellbeing, the curriculum guides students towards understanding the importance of balance
between their digital and physical lives, encouraging them to adopt healthy habits that safeguard their mental
and emotional health. The integration of civic engagement through responsible social media use fosters an
awareness of the broader societal impacts of digital technology, inspiring students to use their digital presence
for positive change. Grade 9 sets a robust foundation, preparing students for the increasingly interconnected
global digital landscape.
• Inclusive: Students engage with responsible social media use, learning about the ethical implications of
their online presence and fostering positive interactions.
• Informed: The curriculum emphasizes online safety, teaching students to differentiate between secure
and risky online practices, enhancing their understanding of internet security.
• Engaged: Focuses on responsible social media use as a platform for civic engagement, encouraging
students to use digital tools for community improvement and global awareness.
• Balanced: Digital health and wellbeing are central, with lessons on managing digital consumption and
promoting a balanced digital lifestyle.
• Alert: Reinforces online safety, emphasizing critical thinking in evaluating online risks and secure
practices.

Grade 10: Becoming Global Citizens

Grade 10 curriculum propels students into the realm of global digital citizenship, emphasizing cybersecurity
awareness, digital communication skills for cross-cultural understanding, and the ethical dimensions of
cyberbullying. This pivotal year challenges students to extend their digital literacy beyond personal safety,
diving into the global implications of cybersecurity and the importance of safeguarding information in an
interconnected world. Through collaborative projects and critical discussions, students explore the power of
digital platforms for fostering global connections, understanding, and empathy. The curriculum’s focus on
cyberbullying prevention and intervention underscores a commitment to creating inclusive and respectful
online communities, highlighting the students’ role in promoting digital wellbeing and empathy across
cultures. Grade 10 nurtures informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens, adept at navigating the
complexities of the digital age with ethical consideration and global awareness.

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• Inclusive: Advances digital communication skills, emphasizing global collaboration and fostering respect
and empathy across diverse cultures.
• Informed: Cybersecurity awareness is heightened, equipping students with the knowledge to protect
their information and understand the global implications of cyber threats.
• Engaged: Encourages global engagement through digital communication, promoting the use of digital
platforms for global collaboration and cultural exchange.
• Balanced: Cyberbullying prevention and intervention are highlighted, teaching students the importance
of empathy and the creation of inclusive online environments.
• Alert: Continues to develop digital communication skills, focusing on ethical online behavior and the
protection of digital rights and privacy.

Grade 11: Becoming Global Citizens

As students advance to Grade 11, the curriculum deepens its focus on digital rights and responsibilities,
challenging them to critically engage with the legal and ethical aspects of the digital world. This year,
students explore the nuances of digital law, privacy, and ethics, fostering an understanding of their rights and
responsibilities as global digital citizens. Through case studies, discussions, and project-based learning, the
curriculum encourages students to advocate for digital rights, emphasizing the significance of ethical online
behavior and the impact of digital footprints on personal and professional opportunities. The exploration of
digital footprint management and reputation prepares students for the realities of the digital age, equipping
them with the skills to navigate their online presence thoughtfully and strategically. Grade 11 cultivates
responsible, ethical digital citizens who are prepared to lead and advocate for positive change in the digital
community.
• Inclusive: Deepens understanding of digital rights and responsibilities, emphasizing the ethical
considerations of digital interactions on a global scale.
• Informed: Explores digital rights and responsibilities further, providing students with a comprehensive
understanding of their digital freedoms and ethical obligations.
• Engaged: Integrates digital rights and responsibilities with civic engagement, encouraging students to
advocate for digital ethics and rights awareness.
• Balanced: Focuses on managing digital footprint and reputation, teaching students about the long-term
implications of their online actions.
• Alert: Reinforces the importance of digital rights and responsibilities, emphasizing the need for ethical
online behavior and awareness of digital laws.

Grade 12: Becoming Global Citizens

In their final year, Grade 12 students are primed to enter the world as confident, ethical digital citizens, with
a curriculum that reinforces cybersecurity awareness, digital advocacy, and the balance between digital and
real-life interactions. This culminating year emphasizes the practical application of digital citizenship concepts,
preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of post-secondary life. Students engage in in-depth
analysis of cybersecurity threats and ethical dilemmas, applying their knowledge to protect themselves and
advocate for others in the digital realm. The curriculum fosters a sense of digital advocacy, encouraging
students to use their voices and digital skills for societal benefit and to address global issues. Reflecting on
their digital and offline lives, students strive for a balance that promotes wellbeing, ethical engagement,
and lifelong learning. Grade 12 leaves students well-equipped to navigate the digital world responsibly and
confidently, ready to make a positive impact as global digital citizens.

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• Inclusive: Students refine their digital communication skills, focusing on ethical engagement and
fostering understanding across digital platforms.
• Informed: Cybersecurity awareness is further emphasized, preparing students for responsible digital
interactions and understanding the complexities of online security.
• Engaged: Encourages students to utilize digital communication for positive global impact, promoting
ethical and effective online advocacy.
• Balanced: Digital health and wellbeing are revisited, highlighting the importance of a balanced
approach to digital and offline lives in preparation for post-secondary life.
• Alert: Continues the focus on digital communication skills, cybersecurity awareness, and ethical online
behavior, preparing students for the digital challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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