Digital Citizenship program nets Academy a statewide award

Sam Meyers, Academic Integration Specialist, and the Digital Citizenship (DC) program he developed at Minnehaha Academy, has won the 2015 Private and Independent Education Program Award from the Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF).

MISF each year recognizes a select group of individuals, schools, and/or programs that model outstanding service to students, the school, and the school community. Nominations were accepted from all private and independent schools in the state.

Digital Citizenship is a hot buzz phrase in education and this program at Minnehaha Academy establishes norms regarding the use of technology by students, teachers and parents.

“Sam’s interactions with both students and adults highlighted for him the gaps many seem to have in knowing how to use all forms of technology, both personal and academic, in a safe and effective way,” said Nancy Johnson, Minnehaha Academy Upper School Principal.

This program provides guidance on how to navigate the digital world, use it for effective and efficient acquisition of knowledge (and goods), communicate with each other clearly, and establish an online presence that doesn’t put them at risk for bullying, theft, or crime.

Unlike most schools, Minnehaha Academy utilizes school-wide time, such as during assembly and advisory, to provide this guidance to students. Starting in the spring of last year (2014) Minnehaha started a series of assemblies on DC, including digital footprint, effective communication, and copyright/fair use issues. The school will continue to use the assembly avenue for occasional discussions about these topics, as teachers appreciate the effort to communicate these concerns with students, but find it difficult to add it to regular class time.

Sam also gave the digital footprint presentation to the incoming freshmen and parents at the freshmen retreat (a day-long retreat prior to the start of the regular school year). The parents appreciated the presentation and the fact the school wants to make this a priority.

“One of the many measures of the success of this program is the fact that Sam is beginning to receive inquiries from other schools who want him to make similar presentations to their students and faculties,” said Johnson. “This additional visibility for the issues related to digital citizenship is an important step in addressing a primary need related to increased use of technology in schools.”

Meyers and the Digital Citizenship program at Minnehaha Academy, along with other award recipients, will be recognized at the 2015 Minnesota Private and Independent Education Awards celebration on Apr. 26.