Digital Citizenship day, recently celebrated at HAFTR Middle School, was an empowering and inspiring day for students, educators, and parents alike.
Janell Burley Hoffman, author of the book iRules, TEDx presenter, and world renowned expert on Digital Citizenship spent the day at HAFTR, holding workshops for all HAFTR Middle School students. At the workshops, students were engaged in conversations about the benefits and limitations of technology, and were empowered to make positive choices online and in life. HAFTR faculty then met with Ms. Burley Hoffman and discussed some of the ways in which they embrace technology in the classroom to complement their effective and innovative teaching methods. The day culminated with a parent workshop, where HAFTR Lower and Middle School parents, faculty, and administration took part in an engaging discussion about how all families can create their own set of iRules based on their family’s values.
Participants remarked that they gained valuable insight regarding how technology can be used to create connection, and how to use technology in a healthy way. Dr. Yali Werzberger, HAFTR Middle School’s Director of Guidance, explained that Digital Citizenship Day is part of HAFTR’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students are given tools and skills to work with and adapt to challenges that they are faced with on a daily basis. Conversations regarding Digital Citizenship continue with students throughout the year to support the development of these crucial skills.
