Welcome to our monthly focus on digital citizenship at OPRF onnn...

Big Ideas in Technology is our research based approach to digital citizenship---or how to navigate our digital world (both at OPRF and beyond!), safely, and responsibly! Whether you plan to become the next social media star or a professional underwater basket weaver---the internet is a digital world of information and possibility that everyone (students, parents, teachers--- EVERYONE!) must learn to navigate safely and responsibly to be successful in our current digital society. In short, the internet is here to stay so, why not learn how to use it to empower yourself? To help, each month we'll focus on a different aspect of digital life while offering students the ability to engage with the information to enter to win a prize!

MARCH 2021

As is the case in broader society, the internet is also subject to our system of justice. Digital Law is the area of Digital Citizenship that deals with the laws and regulations governing the world wide web. For example, in the wake of social media and other internet-based businesses having unfettered access to our personal data, many states have moved in the past year to create privacy laws that regulate how their citizens' data is used and shared. These laws typically vary based on location and organization. Here at OPRFHS, we have an Acceptable Use Policy that governs what we can and can't do with District-issued technology and on school networks.

March Contest

Note: Click here to open the form in a new window.

This month's winner will receive a gimbal and some helpful info on how Digital Law impacts OPRF students!

Best of luck!

Previous Month's Topics

FEBRUARY 2021

Arguably, no area has been more impacted by technological change than communication. Digital communication is defined as the electronic exchange of information. This includes mediums like email, text messaging, video conferencing, and social media which allow for instantaneous and global communication. Due to the pandemic, digital communication has allowed us to continue to remain connected to one another in ways that were not possible just a few decades prior. With all of these new communication tools and capabilities, it is more important than ever for students to consider how to appropriately and safely utilize them.

JANUARY 2021

Understanding the basics of modern technology is a vital skill that all people need to know. Digital Fluency asks us to not only know the basics, but how to apply those skills to the work that we do. Our job is not over once we get onto the internet, we have to be able to find, interpret, and evaluate the content we seek. At a time when the internet is increasingly littered with misinformation and opinion-driven content, Digital Fluency has never been more important to a generation of students and citizens charged with navigating this vast and unfiltered digital space.

DECEMBER 2020

The holiday season is upon us and what better time to consider the buying and selling of goods and services online. Digital Commerce, also called Ecommerce, will make up 22% of global retail sales by 2023. To provide context for this growth, in 2019, the marketshare for Ecommerce was 14%. As online shopping has expanded, so too has the opportunity for scammers and identity thieves. It has never been more important to know how to protect your financial records and identity when shopping online. Click here to learn more with ISTE's student's guide to safe online shopping.

NOVEMBER 2020

OPRF wants every student to be responsible online consumers and producers and well educated on the rights they are afforded online. It's important to remember that the internet is not a free-for-all, it's incumbent on us to treat the web as a community in which we protect and respect the rights it affords us all. The OPRFHS Library has compiled a number of resources aimed at helping students understand their Digital Rights and Responsibilities. Checkout what they have to offer here.

OCTOBER 2020

Check out the Best Practices for Digital Learning infographic for ways you (students) can easily avoid inappropriate digital behaviour! OPRFHS is committed to protecting all students by providing multiple anonymous resources for students to report incidents of bullying (digital or not) or digital harassment of ANY kind:

OPRFHS Anonymous Text Hotline

Text 274637 and type #OPRF at the beginning of your message. Available 24/7 for reporting anything that may affect student safety

SEPTEMBER 2020

OPRFHS is committed to providing all students with equitable and affordable access to home internet service. In addition, to working with existing mobile venders, the OPRFHS Educational Technology department continually explores ways to improve our existing home internet options through both government, municipal, and non-profit means.

For more information on obtaining affordable home internet, please click here.

Additional Resources

Digital Learning for Students_Page_ENG1.

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Need support while school is out?

Support4U is a mental health resource for students, by which you can text licensed mental health clinicians any time of the day for assistance or guidance. You can text about any issue, including anxiety, depression, substance use, thoughts of suicide, eating disorders, bullying, abuse, or any other mental health-related topic. Support4U is safe, anonymous, and always available, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Find more on OPRFHS Student Support resources here!