3 Ways to Celebrate Digital Learning Day in Your Classroom

Classroom technology seems to change and innovate at a rapid pace. At Edmentum, we’re no stranger to innovation in the classroom when it comes to digital curriculum, online learning, and the latest and greatest that edtech has to offer students across the country. We are so lucky to be able to see all the amazing things that educators do in their classrooms with technology. Our goal is to help support integrated technological experiences for students across the nation for all schools and districts. That’s why we love celebrating Digital Learning Day each year in February, a day dedicated to spreading innovative practices and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality digital learning opportunities, no matter their location. Pretty cool, right?

Started in 2012, Digital Learning Day has provided a powerful venue for education leaders to highlight great teaching practice and showcase innovative teachers, leaders, and instructional technology programs that are improving student outcomes. This grassroots effort blossomed into a massive nationwide celebration as teachers realized that Digital Learning Day promotes the effective use of modern-day tools afforded to every other industry to improve the learning experience in K–12 public schools.

All4Ed’s 11th Annual Digital Learning Day (#DLDay) on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, will highlight how educators are creating robust, authentic, and personalized learning opportunities for students inside and outside the classroom anytime, anywhere.

Interested in celebrating Digital Learning Day in your classroom? Here are three fun ways to get involved:

1. Talk about the importance of Internet safety

Part of navigating our online world is making sure that your students are practicing safe behaviors every time they use the Internet. Take some time on Digital Learning Day to explain the importance of Internet safety to your students. Common Sense has put together some awesome lesson plans for grades K–12 that talk about a variety of subjects like talking safely online, risky online relationships, and more. 

It’s safe to say we’ve all probably spent a little more time on the internet over the last few years than we have in years past! All the more reason to observe Safer Internet Day with your students in February! (Though, is there ever a bad time to brush up on internet safety tips?) Safer Internet Day aims to help make the world wide web a safer and more secure place for everyone, especially children and young people. With Edmentum’s Safer Internet Day Classroom Resources, you and your students can learn about and discuss how to keep safe when using the Internet with engaging activities, fact sheets, critical thinking questions, and a fun poster! 

2. Sign a digital citizenship pledge

There’s no better opportunity than Digital Learning Day to sign a digital citizenship pledge with your students. While you’re on the topic of online safety, be sure to explain and discuss with your students why digital citizenship is so important and how it can affect their future college admission decisions, job searches, and more. Common Sense has put together a fantastic digital citizenship curriculum and classroom toolkit to get you started.

3. Evaluate online source credibility

As an educator, you have an important role in helping your students build investigation, evaluation, and critical-thinking skills when it comes to conducting research. The ability to evaluate different types of media and forms of content has even made its way into the Common Core State Standards, as this skill is becoming increasingly important for your students to learn as they transition into adulthood. We’ve gathered a few age-appropriate resources to help you teach your students about how to navigate the different parts of a website, how to find the right site, how to evaluate its credibility, and how to start the conversation about credibility in your classroom.

Technology has had revolutionary impacts on the classroom and daily life in general. Take advantage of this Digital Learning Day not only to celebrate the amazing doors that technology has opened but also to help your students understand the importance of using that technology appropriately. By learning and applying strong digital citizenship skills, we can continue to make meaningful strides forward for everyone!

Looking for more ways to model appropriate online behavior for your students? With Edmentum’s Safer Internet Day Classroom Resources, you and your students can learn about and discuss how to keep safe when using the Internet with engaging activities, fact sheets, critical thinking questions, and a fun poster! 

This blog was originally published February 2019 by Brita Hammer and has been updated.