Grade 5 Students Lead the Way in Digital Citizenship at TAS
Demonstrating their leadership and learning, Grade 5 students at TAS recently took on the challenge of exploring and presenting the Lower School Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to younger peers in Grades 4. This initiative, held on Friday, September 20, across various locations on campus, was not just an exercise in public speaking but a profound demonstration of the students' understanding of responsible technology use and their ability to convey this knowledge to a wider audience.
The event was a culmination of weeks of preparation, during which the Grade 5 students engaged in a series of structured lessons designed to deepen their comprehension of the Acceptable Use Policy. This policy, which outlines the responsible and ethical use of technology within the school community, served as both the content and context for the students’ presentations. The project was spearheaded by the Grade 5 teaching team, with Ms. Denise Bord and Ms. Susie Mutschler playing key roles in designing and implementing the curriculum.
“The goal was to make learning both meaningful and authentic,” said Ms. Mutschler, reflecting on the project’s inception. “We wanted our students to not only understand the AUP but to internalize its principles and see how it connects to their daily lives and the broader community. By presenting to younger students, they were able to take ownership of their learning and share it in a way that was accessible and engaging.”
Over the course of several days, the Grade 5 students participated in activities that challenged them to think critically about the Acceptable Use Policy. They began by sorting through various statements related to the policy, grouping them according to common themes, and labeling these groups to better understand the underlying concepts. This initial exploration was followed by a deep dive into explicit texts, where students employed strategies like Socratic Seminars to discuss and annotate passages, fostering a robust understanding of the material.
“The Socratic Seminar was a turning point for many students,” said one of the Grade 5 teachers. “It pushed them to articulate their thoughts clearly, listen to differing perspectives, and build on each other’s ideas. These are crucial skills not just for academic success but for life beyond the classroom.”
As the project progressed, students were given the opportunity to choose how they would present their learning. Some opted to create comic strips illustrating key aspects of the AUP, while others developed interactive word walls or interviewed TAS experts on technology use. These creative endeavors not only reinforced their understanding but also allowed them to express their ideas in ways that resonated with them personally.
The final presentations took place in four locations around campus, including the Tech Cube, Harmony Theater, and Lotus Lounge. In each venue, Grade 5 students presented to Grade 4 students in groups, giving the younger students the opportunity to explore various perspectives from different Grade 5 groups and note down their thoughts and feedback. The Grade 4 students listened attentively as their older peers explained the importance of using technology in a respectful, responsible, and safe manner.
One of the most significant aspects of the project was the way it aligned with the Schoolwide Learning Outcomes and TAS’s core values. Through their exploration of the Acceptable Use Policy, students engaged deeply with concepts such as honesty, respect, and responsibility—values that are central to the School’s mission. This was particularly evident in the reflective discussions students had about how the Acceptable Use Policy impacts not only their personal technology use but also the school community as a whole.
“The AUP is not just a set of rules; it’s a framework that helps us navigate the digital world with integrity,” said Ms. Bord. “Seeing our students connect these ideas to the TAS values was incredibly rewarding. They understood that by adhering to the Acceptable Use Policy, they’re not just protecting themselves—they’re also contributing to a positive, respectful community.”
The presentations were well-received by both the younger students and the teachers in attendance. Feedback sessions were held after the event, allowing the Grade 5 students to reflect on their performance and receive constructive input from their peers and teachers. This reflection was an essential part of the learning process, reinforcing the idea that growth often comes from thoughtful evaluation and a willingness to improve.
In the end, the event was a resounding success, not just in terms of the knowledge shared but also in the development of the students themselves. By taking on the role of learners and educators, these students have honed skills and values that will serve them well as they continue their educational journey, preparing them to face the challenges of the digital age with confidence and integrity.