Digital Civics and Citizenship: An Applied Approach(LITA Guides)

More and more individuals today are “digital natives.” They are comfortable with all of the advances in technology, using it every day. However, while they may be able to access the digital world easily does not translate into being able to successfully navigate it. Regardless of age and experience, young adults must be mindful of their digital presence in the expanding digital world. This book provides a guide for librarians, educators, counselors, and administrators to guide secondary and higher education students in successfully practicing responsible citizenship and civics in the digital world. In our world where our social credit is held increasing value, digital civics and citizenship are powerful tools, especially for students just venturing into this expansive realm.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1 – Overview Chapter 2 – What is Civics? Chapter 3 – What is Citizenship? Chapter 4 – Current State of Civics and Citizenship Education Chapter 5 – What’s Been Done in the Past Chapter 6 – Where Do We Go from Here? Chapter 7 – Social-Emotional Learning and Cultural Literacy Chapter 8 – Virtue Ethics and Digital Civics and Citizenship Chapter 9 – Approaches to Teaching Digital Civics and Citizenship Chapter 10 – Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Digital Civics and Citizenship Chapter 11 – Teaching Digital Civics and Citizenship Chapter 12 – Integrating with STEM/STEAM Curriculum Chapter 13 – Integrating with Traditional Curriculum Chapter 14 – Stand-Alone Digital Civics and Citizenship Classes Chapter 15 – Sample Lesson Plans and Learning Activities Chapter 16 – Standards, Outcomes, and Objectives Chapter 17 – Products and Assessments Chapter 18 – Cultivating Culture Chapter 19 – Looking Forward Resources

About the Author :
Casey Davis is an educator with over 20 years of experience working with diverse learners in a variety of settings. He has earned two Master’s degrees, one in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction and the second in American history.

Review :
The world has moved from the information age to the information overload age, and discernment of what is factual versus what is opinion, or outright false information, has become more challenging. Preparing students to navigate this new world presents numerous opportunities and challenges along with a redefinition of what it means to be a digital citizen. In this book, Casey takes on both the philosophical and practical aspects of how educators, librarians, and administrators can better prepare students to thrive in a truly diverse and global digital world. The widespread move to online teaching and learning has created unexpected challenges for teachers and students, even those who thought they were familiar with technology and remote learning. In recent years I have witnessed an increasing skills deficit among incoming college students in the areas of communication, critical thinking and social responsibility among others. Learning civic virtues and becoming a good digital citizen will make for a better learning environment and a kinder gentler world. Reading and implementing the strategies discussed in Digital Civics and Citizenship is a first step to that goal. Digital Civics and Citizenship: An Applied Approach is a must read for every educator striving to help their students navigate the ever changing landscape of our digital world. With themes of respect, empathy, and advocacy, to name a few, Davis has put together an honest and much needed manual in how to promote civics and citizenship, critical thinking, and character building in an increasingly divisive and ironically disconnected society. The historical context and theoretical frameworks presented throughout the first part of the book situate the need to evolve the role civics and citizenship plays in our educational system from concept to practice . This book not only provides effective ways to achieve this, through suggested classroom activities and assessments designed for K-12, higher education, and community settings, but serves as a resource for educators to deepen their understanding of the implications associated with digital learning and the influence of social media. By including activities, lesson plans, and rubrics that can be adapted to students of any age, along with suggestions on how to implement these ideas, this book will be invaluable to all levels of educators. I for one am excited to use it with my faculty to of our students and the positive impact they will have on the world. Casey Davis, in Digital Civics and Citizenship, effectively and innovatively addresses a key, timely challenge: how to nurture a lifelong commitment to productive civic involvement and positive leadership at a time when cynicism and divisiveness is rampant. Focusing on creating 'the foundations of a representative government and a democratic, civil society,' he consistently reminds us of the importance of developing and sustaining civility, collaboration, and positive action online and onsite. Offering creative suggestions for learners of all ages committed to becoming engaged, responsible, respectful digital citizens, he lays the groundwork for overcoming some of the most divisive elements keeping us from engaging in positive conversations and collaborations. Davis leaves us primed, inspired, and eager to rethink how we approach civics and citizenship in the digital age—in the hope that, together, we can change our world.