Digital Citizenship Enhancement Tool
About the tool
This tool was developed by members of the Teaching for Digital Citizenship project and educators from schools and FE who participated in our community of practice and is designed to enhance digital citizenship education (DCE) provision across eight benchmark areas.
The tool is designed to be modular and flexible and can be used to help identify areas of policy and practice requiring review or update across an institution.
Our approach is not tied to particular forms of technology such as AI or big data, it takes a broader view of technology in education encompassing key skills, safety standards, digital equity, data justice and strategic planning.
The tool is built on the experiences of the community of practice who tested elements of the framework in their home institutions, survey and ethnographic data derived from two years of engagement with schools across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the published work of developers and innovators in the field of technology for education.
The Community of Practice
- Adam Webster, Caterham School, Head of Innovation
- Sam Wallace, Tynecastle High School, Digital Innovation and Music
- Dr Dean Crawford, West Calder School, Digital Innovation Lead
- Joe Cozens, Clifton High School, Transformation & AI Lead
- Chris Hillidge, The Challenge Academy Trust, Director of STEM, Director of Warrington FabLab
- Becci Peters, The Chartered Institute for IT, Computing Subject Lead BCS
- Dr Adam Dwight, City of Wolverhampton College, Learning Innovator
- Johnathan Tridgell, University of Oxford, PGCE Tutor
- Emma Darcy, Denbigh High School, Director of Technology for Learning
- Gary Henderson, Millfield School, Director of IT
Institutional Ethos - Benchmark 1
An institutional ethos that incorporates digital ethics and citizenship at all levels
Understanding DCE - Benchmark 2
An understanding of what digital citizenship can and should mean in an institutional context, known across the community by the majority of staff, students and other stakeholders including parents/guardians and governors.
Quality Assurance - Benchmark 3
A transparent process for quality assuring digital technologies, including their impact in relation to aspiration, accessibility and inclusion
Strategic Alignment - Benchmark 4
A strategic approach to aligning the teaching of digital citizenship across schemes of learning in both a subject-specific and extra-curricular context, with accompanying CPD actvitites.
Improvement and Review - Benchmark 5
A strategic/improvement plan that reflects the commitment to digital citizenship at all levels, including plans for review and adaptation of IT infrastructure as staff and student needs evolve
Embedded Curriculum - Benchmark 6
An embedded digital citizenship curriculum that incorporates digital literacy, online safety and security, digital etiquette and communication, digital rights and responsibilities and digital wellness
Digital Equity - Benchmark 7
A commitment to digital equity, understanding of digital property rights, addressing the digital divide and consideration for others in the ethical use of digital technology.
Empowerment and Wellbeing - Benchmark 8
Staff and students are empowered digital citizens advocating for environmental sustainability and positive social action, recognising the interconnectedness of technology and human well-being.