Common Sense Media Launches Digital Passport Mobile
App for educators teaches online citizenship and tests students' readiness to learn and play in a digital world
SAN FRANCISO, CA - Common Sense Media, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and educators harness the power of technology responsibly, today released Digital Passport for iOS and Android. The app is an expansion of the awarding-winning, Web-based game. Now it's even easier for teachers and students in grades three through five to teach and learn critical skills around being safe, smart, and responsible online.
"As districts nationwide integrate tablets, computers, and Web-based resources into their classrooms, it's so important that students learn from the outset how to use these powerful tools wisely," says Mike Lorion, General Manager of Education at Common Sense Media. "The mobile versions of Digital Passport give teachers the flexibility to engage their students in these important lessons wherever they are -- at home or at school."
Based on lessons from Common Sense Media's pioneering K-12 digital literacy and citizenship curriculum, currently taught in more than 67,000 schools nationwide and played by more than 300,000 students in grades three through five, Digital Passport uses engaging games and videos to address the key issues that kids face online: safety and security, cyberbullying, responsible cell phone use, safe search and respecting creative work.
The Digital Passport app features mini-games paired with videos that take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Students learn and advance through topic areas, collecting badges at their own pace, to ultimately earn their digital passports. Collaborative classroom activities reinforce online lessons as students' progress is tracked and measured so teachers can effectively evaluate students' readiness to be online as well as use mobile devices. Reports are easily exported from the platform, enabling schools to create a record of student learning that helps satisfy E-rate and CIPA educational requirements.
The Web version of Digital Passport launched in August 2012, and since then more than 75,000 digital passports have been issued. An Edmodo app version launched in August 2013, and a mobile version for families (consumers) launched in June 2013.
Digital Passport mobile is available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/digital-passport/id694905814?ls=1&mt=8 and https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.org.csm.digitalpasspo….
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. Through education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, visit www.commonsense.org/educators.
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