In just a few short weeks, a new school year will begin. In education, we’re so very fortunate in that we get a fresh start every year. Every September, teachers are excited to meet their new students and to try new things to engage them in their learning. Students are excited to see who is in their class (or classes) and have high hopes of doing well and having success in their academics. Parents are also excited for the new school year and also have high hopes for their children.
Parents do so very much to support their children in getting off on the right foot with the new school year. Back-to-school shopping, reestablishing routines, helping their children understand their new schedules… these are just some of the countless things that parents do to support their children for back-to-school.
There’s one more thing that many parents will do as the new school year begins…
They “Google” their child’s teacher.
With many employers Google searching their applicants, it’s not hard to imagine that many parents are doing the same with their child’s teacher. As an administrator in an elementary school, on more than one occasion, I had a parent approach me and tell me that they Googled my name. One parent in particular warmed my heart and showed me a picture she found when searching my name and looking through the images in Google. The picture was of me and her child and she shared just how much she appreciated that I took such a keen interest in helping him be successful in school. It’s something I’ll never forget. For 2 reasons:
- It reminded me just how much of an honour it is that we as educators get to shape and mold the most precious gift of our parents (their children).
- People look you up!
In a recent Google search, I came across dozens of articles on just how many businesses Google search their applicants. The low end (48% – Career Addict)… the high end (80% – Huffington Post)! These employers are hiring someone to fill a vacant position (something they no doubt care about). Parents on the other hand are entrusting you with their child (something they ABSOLUTELY care about). I have yet to see a study on the % of parents that Google their child’s teacher, but it’s not hard to imagine it would be in a similar (if not higher) range as the businesses above. When we host our next iPLAN (Parents Learning About the Net) session, I will be sure to poll the crowd and report back.
So why does this matter? Well for me it highlights just how important it is that educators, parents, and students learn about digital citizenship. It also highlights how important it is that we as educators model digital citizenship, because it will be put to the test! Parents and students will see the digital footprint we have online. This doesn’t mean we should try and have zero web presence. For one, that’s becoming more and more impossible. Even if you don’t post anything online, many of your friends and family will. I know some people that refuse to use social media, yet they are tagged in many photos of their friends and family. The second, and more important reason is that we need to model the way for the future generation. Students get plenty of examples around them of negative digital footprints, and when students Google my name, I want them to be exposed to what a positive digital footprint looks like.
Educators that are looking for a place to start, I highly recommend Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble. Mike provides a great framework that focuses on the nine elements of digital citizenship and how to incorporate them in the classroom. He advocates that you begin on the elements that are of highest priority to your unique school community. An overview of the nine elements can also be found on his website: http://digitalcitizenship.org/.
So as we prepare for the new school year and get our classrooms and schools ready to welcome back students… don’t forget to continue growing a positive digital footprint on the web.