Media Balance & Well-being:
Find a balance between screen-time and off-screen time. The effects of too much screen-time or constant taking in of media is bad for mental health and well being.
I believe that an art classroom can be a great way to take this break from being online constantly. Art can work as a therapeutic method, coping mechanism, and/or grounding element.
Privacy & Security:
Students need to know how to protect their information and that they have the right to not share their personal information. This includes protection from being observed or tracked by other, usually in the form of cookies. As educators we also have a responsibility to keep student information private and protected.
For example, I have to make sure that my students know to turn off their cookies and only give them safe sources to pull artistic inspiration from.
Relationships & Communication:
Students need to know how to create positive relationships online and avoid risky and dangerous online talk. There are 5 goals:
~ build positive relationships
~ reduce and prevent harmful behavior
~resolve conflict and hold people accountable
~ repair harm
~ address and discuss the needs of the school community
A lot of these goals can be achieve through effective communication and language.
Cyber-bullying, Digital Drama, & Hate Speech:
Students need to learn how to be a positive person on the internet, and how to protect themselves from cyber-bullying. They should know that it is their responsibility to be combative against online cruelty in safe ways like blocking people. It is important to find ways to prevent and stop hate speech, while understanding the difference between that and the freedom of speech.
I think the best way to model this for students could be as simple as modeling being kind and stopping any bullying in class.
News & Media Literacy:
Students need to know how to identify credible sources. They will use their media literacy to asses if a news source if worth sharing. There are eight things to consider about a source:
~ consider the source
~ read beyond
~ check the author
~ supporting sources
~ check the date
~ is it a joke?
~ check your own biases
~ ask the experts
This could be incorporated into an art classroom pretty simply through checking real versus fake artworks or if a story about a master is actually factual or twisted.
Digital Footprint & Identity:
Students need to know the benefits and risks of sharing online. Understanding that a Digital Footprint is permanent and can affect their relationships, reputation and reflect on their identity.