Children are engaging with the digital world from an increasingly young age. They are learning, communicating, gaming, creating and sharing online every day. As pupils approach the transition to post-primary school, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate this world safely and responsibly is more important than ever.
Switched On, a new digital citizenship programme from Webwise, provides teachers with a structured and engaging resource for 5th and 6th class pupils. Developed in collaboration with and supported by Coimisiún na Meán, the programme is available free to primary schools across Ireland. It builds on a number of other Webwise programmes in this field, such as HTML Heroes and My Selfie and the Wider World.
The programme moves beyond simply telling pupils how to ‘stay safe online’. It encourages them to become active and critical digital citizens. Pupils explore issues such as misinformation and disinformation, online security, screen time, privacy and personal information, digital footprints, digital wellbeing, media literacy, and their rights and responsibilities online. All of these issues are of such importance at this present time.
There are two key elements to Switched On: an interactive online learning platform and a Teacher Handbook containing step-by-step guidance for classroom activities. The platform includes an introduction lesson, eight core modules and a programme reflection lesson, with resources available in both English and Irish. One particularly useful feature is the flexibility of the programme. Teachers can work through the modules sequentially or select individual activities according to the needs, interests and experiences of their class. This makes it possible to connect digital citizenship with the Learning Outcomes of the new Wellbeing specification, as well as Digital Learning experiences already taking place in the classroom.
Switched On also recognises that digital citizenship is not confined to the classroom. Take-home activities encourage conversations between pupils and parents or guardians, helping to create a shared understanding of children’s online experiences. For teachers looking for an engaging, age-appropriate way to develop digital citizenship with senior primary pupils, Switched On is well worth exploring.
