Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
What is a Digital Citizen?
Introduction to the concept of being a responsible and ethical digital citizen.
What you'll learn
- Identify at least three examples of being a good digital citizen online, such as being kind and respectful in online games or asking a grown-up for help when needed.
- Explain, in their own words, why it is important to be a responsible and safe digital citizen when using technology.
- Apply the concept of digital citizenship by describing how they would respond to a specific online scenario, such as seeing someone being mean to another person in an online game.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'Digital Citizen' in their own words.
Identify three examples of private information that should not be shared online.
Explain the concept of a 'Digital Footprint' using a simple analogy.
Apply an 'IF-THEN' rule to decide how to respond to a mean online comment.
List two actions to take when they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Describe the difference between a strong and a weak password.
Have you ever played a game, watched a video, or done schoolwork online? 💻 You're part of a giant online world, just like being part of a neighborhood!
In this lesson, we will learn what a 'Digital Citizen' is. A good digital citizen is like a good neighbor—they are safe, kind, and responsible...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Digital CitizenA person who uses the internet and technology in a safe, respectful, and responsible way.A good digital citizen doesn't share their password and posts kind comments on a friend's video.
Personal InformationSpecial information that is just about you, which you should keep private to stay safe.Your full name, home address, school name, phone number, or birthday.
Digital FootprintThe trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. It's like leaving footprints in the sand.Every game you play, video you watch, and comment you post becomes part of your digital footprint.
PasswordA secret code you create to protect your online accounts and information from others.A strong password might be 'Tr33Hous$Fun!', while a wea...
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The Privacy Check Rule (IF-THEN)
IF a website, game, or person asks for my personal information, THEN I will ask a trusted adult before I do anything.
Use this conditional rule to protect your private data. The event of being asked for information should always trigger the action of getting help from a grown-up.
The Kindness Rule (T.H.I.N.K. Before You Post)
Before I post or comment, I will T.H.I.N.K: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
Use this pattern to make sure your digital footprint is a positive one. It helps you decide if your words will make the internet a better place.
The 'Uh-Oh' Feeling Rule (IF-THEN)
IF something I see online makes me feel sad, scared, or confused, THEN I will immediately tell a trusted adult....
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Challenging
In a group chat, some kids start making fun of a new student's name. You feel it's wrong. What action shows the STRONGEST digital citizenship?
A.Privately message the new student to say you're sorry, but stay in the group
B.Leave the group chat and don't say anything
C.Tell the kids in the group chat, 'This isn't kind. We should stop.' and then tell a trusted adult
D.Join in the joking so the other kids will like you
Challenging
IF you post a photo of yourself wearing your soccer jersey with the team name on it, AND you post another comment saying 'Big game at Northwood Park tomorrow!', what data have you accidentally combined for others to see?
A.Your favorite color and your favorite sport
B.Your password and your username
C.What you look like, what team you're on, and where you will be at a specific time
D.How old you are and what grade you are in
Challenging
You discover a glitch in an online game that lets you get unlimited coins for free, but it feels like cheating. A good digital citizen would most likely...
A.Use the glitch to get as many coins as possible
B.Tell all their friends how to do the glitch
C.Keep it a secret but feel bad about it
D.Not use the glitch because it's not fair to the game makers or other players
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "What is a Digital Citizen?"?
What is a Digital Citizen? is a Grade 3 Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in What is a Digital Citizen??
You'll be able to: Identify at least three examples of being a good digital citizen online, such as being kind and respectful in online games or asking a grown-up for help when needed; Explain, in their own words, why it is important to be a….
Is "What is a Digital Citizen?" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with What is a Digital Citizen??
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.