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How PWCS Supports Digital Citizenship

The use of digital devices is an integral part of the PWCS learning environment, so it's important for all members of the PWCS community to have an understanding of what digital citizenship means. Educators and the Information and Instructional Technology Department work together to support digital citizenship through well designed instructional activities and policies, both written and technical.

Educators are expected to model and share safe practices around the use of technology. Through repetition and intentional teaching of the behaviors of a digital citizen, students will better understand how technology can impact themselves, their community, and their world.

Instructional Support of Digital Citizenship

Instructionally, we support digital citizenship by:

  • Supporting educators with age‑appropriate resources and practical ideas to help students learn what it means to be a responsible and respectful digital citizen.
  • Curating trusted resources from Common Sense Media in an online digital library that educators can easily access to support classroom instruction.
  • Providing districtwide access to Discovery Education, World Book Online, and Safari Montage, which offer reliable, high‑quality resources to support research and learning.
  • Offering a variety of digital tools that encourage safe communication, collaboration, and creativity, allowing students to demonstrate their learning and interact positively online.
  • Encouraging students to create and share their own work, rather than just consume media, PWCS honors student choice and voice.

Technical Support of Digital Citizenship

In addition to instruction, our Information and Instructional Technology Department employs the following processes to support the safety and data privacy of students.

  • Google SafeSearch: Ensures students are shielded from explicit content during internet searches.
  • Internet Content Filtering: Blocks harmful or distracting material, maintaining acceptable use on school computer networks.
  • Email, Storage, and Image Review: Promotes positive communication and collaboration while preventing misuse.
  • Host-Based Security Tools: Scans workstations for malicious content, ensuring a safe environment.
  • Emergency Alerting Services: Identifies those in need and bridges the gap between digital and real-world to get them the assistance they need.
  • Screen Time Limits: Encourages a healthy balance between digital and physical experiences.
  • Software Governance: Digital applications are reviewed to ensure there are consistent, high-quality learning resources that protect student data.