Author: Vibha Sheth
Sheth, Vibha, 2016 Facilitating Digital Citizenship in an International Baccalaureate (IB) - Primary Years Program (PYP) school in Singapore, Flinders University, School of Education
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Research has shown that children as young as two to three years old are learning through and with digital devices. It becomes imperative that children who use digital devices acquire the necessary skills through curriculum integration that facilitate the ethical use of digital devices and develops digital competency skills. The Digital Citizenship framework integration with the curriculum creates awareness among students for effective and appropriate use of technology. This study investigated the integration of a Digital Citizenship curriculum within the International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Program at an International Primary School located in Singapore. A quasi – experimental, research design was used to conduct the study. An online closed questionnaire was used to collect the data related to the effectiveness of a Digital Citizenship curriculum with two classes of 38, fifth-grade students, aged 9-10 years old. Results showed a positive outcome related to students’ understanding of nine elements of Digital Citizenship and their attitudes towards the use of technology for learning. Students were found to become more reflective and responsible users of digital technology through integration of the Digital Citizenship curriculum within the IB PYP framework. The results concluded that with the exception of Digital Access (where there was negligible change), there was a significant change in students’ attitudes for all elements of Digital Citizenship. In-depth statistical analysis of the results indicated that the integration of Digital Citizenship curriculum within the IB PYP Framework aligns with the IB philosophy and facilitates digital competency skills in primary school students for 21st-century learning. It also enables the lifelong learning journey and responsible Digital Citizenship among students.
Keywords: Digital Citizenship, Digital devices, Digiventures, Cyberbullying, Plagiarism, Academic honesty, Net / Digital Etiquette, Social networking communities, 21st -century skills, BYOD / BYOT
Subject: Education thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2016
School: School of Education
Supervisor: Grace Skrzypiec