GoalExplain what a virtual community is and how a digital citizen behaves in one.
New words
virtual community · people who meet online around a shared interest or goaldigital citizen · a person who uses technology in a responsible, safe and smart wayopinion · what a person thinks about somethingvolunteer · a person who helps others without being paid
Explanation
A virtual community is a group of people who meet online around a shared interest or goal, such as neighbours who want a clean street, or readers who love the same books. Digital communication helps people share opinions and build good relationships. A digital citizen uses technology in a responsible, safe and smart way. A digital citizen respects others, thinks before writing and asks for help when needed. At your age you join an online community only with a teacher or a family member, and you never accept a friend request from someone you do not know. You can practise on paper. Your school is already a community where you learn to be a good digital citizen.
A shared interest→People talk online→They share opinions kindly→Good relationships grow
Worked examples
In an invented story, neighbours in a pretend “Clean Street” group, with a grown-up in charge, share ideas: more bins, a cleaning day, a thank-you note for the street sweeper. Everyone writes kindly.
Two ways to act in an online group. A digital citizen thanks people and disagrees politely. A person who is not a digital citizen shouts and makes fun of others.
Nour wants to learn more about the rubbish problem in her street. She plans an interview with a neighbour she knows, with three questions: What is the problem? Who does it affect? What could help?
Class activity
Pretend noticeboard. Stick a large sheet on the wall. Each child writes a short post on a card (an idea to keep the classroom clean) with an invented name and pins it up. The rule: read before you pin, and write kindly. Then read the posts and write one kind reply under two of them.
Practice
1
What is a virtual community?
People who meet online around a shared interest or goal.
2
Name two things a digital citizen does.
For example: respects others, thinks before writing, asks for help.
3
Someone you do not know sends you a friend request. What do you do?
I do not accept. I tell a teacher or a family member.
4
Which child is acting like a digital citizen? Say the letter.
