Ryukyu Middle School Honors Digital Citizenship Week

Ryukyu Middle School recognized Digital Citizenship Week October 20–24 with a series of engaging and grade specific lessons in the Library Information Center. English classes regularly visit the library to build essential information literacy skills, and this week’s focus was on helping students become responsible, ethical participants in the digital world.

The sixth grade explored the theme “What rights to fair use do you have as a creator?” Students learned to define key terms such as copyright, public domain, and fair use, and examined the Four Factors of Fair Use. They applied these concepts to real-world examples, including the use of AI-generated content, making informed arguments for or against fair use in various scenarios. This lesson helped students understand their rights and responsibilities when creating and sharing digital content.

“Experiencing our students engaging in the digital citizenship lesson reiterated to me the importance of empowering students to think critically, act responsibly, and engage in the digital world,” said Courtney Parella, ELA teacher. “When students understand how to navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible way, they’re building the foundation for lifelong digital literacy and responsible participation in our global community.”

In seventh grade, students examined “How does our experience online shape what we see, believe, and share?” They explored concepts like filter bubbles, echo chambers, and confirmation bias, and reflected on how these phenomena can limit their understanding of the world. A hands-on activity had students analyze facts on a shared topic and write claims based on their evidence—only to discover that half the class had received a different set of facts. This eye-opening experience emphasized the importance of seeking multiple perspectives.

The eighth grade focused on “How can we focus our attention in an information-filled world?” Students learned the three steps of critical ignoring and discussed strategies for managing information overload. They reflected on how to adjust their personal information ecosystems to better filter and prioritize content. With so much information available online, this lesson helped students practice identifying what is both important and reliable, sharpening their critical thinking and digital discernment.

Throughout the week, students across all grade levels practiced essential digital literacy skills such as lateral reading, evaluating multiple reliable sources, and citing sources. These lessons not only supported academic success but also empowered students to become thoughtful, ethical participants in the digital world.