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.
What would this ideally look like?
A community where the majority of members are able to talk articulately about what it means to be a digital citizen. For colleagues especially, this might mean being able to discuss how the organisation is seeking to create shared understanding, how this relates to the ethos of the institution and their role in promoting it. This should be underpinned by regular review, with findings used in strategic planning.
Self-assessment descriptors
Level 0 (Absent):
Staff, students and other stakeholders including parents/guardians and governors lack awareness of digital citizenship concepts, and there are no resources or professional development opportunities available to address this gap.
Level 1 (Emerging):
Staff, students and other stakeholders including parents/guardians and governors understanding of digital citizenship remains minimal. Information about DCE may occasionally be shared, such as through newsletters or brief updates, but there is no consistent or structured approach. Limited, ad-hoc training opportunities for staff on DCE topics are available. Some limited engagement with parents and the community regarding DCE. Some individual staff may pursue DCE knowledge independently, but institutional support is minimal.
Level 2 (Developing):
There is an emerging effort to involve staff, students and other stakeholders including parents/guardians and governors in understanding and supporting DCE objectives. A structured approach to DCE training is in place, and a framework for student, community and parental engagement is established. The institution provides periodic staff training, updates to parents, information sessions for students, however, participation may not be comprehensive, and follow-up or sustained support is limited.
Level 3 (Proficient):
A comprehensive DCE engagement programme is implemented. The institution maintains a consistent approach to DCE lessons and hosts regular events, workshops, and communications to educate external stakeholders on digital citizenship topics. There is a strategic effort to ensure that DCE knowledge is applied in practice with feedback and improvement mechanisms used to foster a collaborative approach.
Level 4 (Advanced):
DCE is a core component of the institution’s teaching, outreach and CPD programmes and is integrated seamlessly into all staff development, community collaborations and pastoral initiatives. Ongoing training, teaching and community engagement promotes a cohesive and informed approach to digital citizenship. The institution actively evaluates the effectiveness of DCE programmes and engages in ongoing dialogue to not only educate but empower all stakeholders in reinforcing positive values and practices both in and out of school.
Reflective questions to guide decision making
- What specific DCE skills and competencies are essential for our staff and students, including those related to AI and digital ethics?
- How can we provide ongoing professional development to build confidence and expertise in DCE across all staff levels?
- What resources or external support (such as partnerships) are available to enhance our DCE training programmes?
- How will we assess and measure the effectiveness of staff training in DCE?
- How can we effectively communicate the goals and importance of DCE to parents, guardians, and community partners?
- In what ways can we involve parents/guardians and the wider community in promoting and supporting digital citizenship practices?
- How can we design workshops or resources that help parents understand the impact of digital technology, including AI, on student learning and well-being?
- What partnerships or community outreach initiatives can enhance our DCE efforts?
- How will we collect and act on feedback from parents/guardians and community members to improve our DCE programme?
- Are staff and students confident in DCE provision?
- Are staff and students consulted/invested in decision making? How?
- Do staff and students see provision as a positive experience?
Practical steps
Low resource
- Digital Badges: Platforms like Open Badges to reward participation in DCE activities.
- Create staff and student focus groups to guide curriculum and policy improvements.
- Interactive Workshops: Gamified experiences like Classcraft to immerse students in digital citizenship learning.
- Journaling Apps: Tools like Evernote or Notion for students to document and reflect on digital citizenship.
- Surveys and Feedback Tools: Platforms like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to evaluate DCE effectiveness.
- Recognition Events: Resources for hosting awards ceremonies or celebrations to showcase student success in DCE.
- Allocate time for collaborative planning focused on embedding digital citizenship
High resource
- Parental Engagement Resources: Guides or workshops to help parents understand online safety and privacy concerns.
- Host a series of workshops to deepen staff understanding of digital citizenship concepts.
- Implement a student programme that develops digital identity and critical engagement.