This has been one of the busiest terms I can remember. For a variety of reasons, we have had a lot of external events impacting on both teacher and students time.
We have been "doing" a lot of things... however something that is extremely important to me... I have been working hard at "Being" with people. Finding out more about people helps me to connect with them as individuals. I am thrilled to report that I now know all the names of every single child in our school!
Why is this important? As a Deliberate Act of Leadership... with relationships being a high priority - for me a name is the open door for a relationship to begin! Learn a name and the person feels valued. Greet by name and people feel noticed. It's not that hard, but it does take time and practice. I make myself greet children by name. I make myself use their names and connect with them.
Digital citizenship has again arisen for me. Questions that arise include, How do we lay the foundations for good digital citizenship?
I believe it is essential that we focus on the citizenship part ... not the digital part. If we are being the best person we can be at all times, then I believe it is irrelevant whether we are having face to face interactions, or online interactions. Whatever we contribute to the world, be it on-line or in person, we leave a mark on others. If we can be gentle on others, kind to them, helpful in any way, work hard, listen with clarity, and remain honest, then our [digital] citizenship will impact our [online] environments with integrity!
What do you believe?
I agree Myra. It is 'citizenship', a way of being, our vaues and beliefs, ways of communicating, empathising... that is at the forefront. How we operate in digital mediums will be managed through who we are.
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