Cyber Civics™ is an easy-to-teach in-classroom program that meets a growing need to prepare students to be ethical, safe and wise digital citizens. There are three levels appropriate for middle school:
Lessons are delivered to schools on an easy-to-use online portal so we can keep the curriculum updated (see image).
CYBER CIVICS CURRICULUM
What does Cyber Civics include? When your school or organization subscribes to Cyber Civics, you receive a private link that gives you access to an easy-to-use online portal full of in-classroom lessons, videos, resources, plus support. Any teacher at your school can open a private account. Downloading and teaching these lessons a breeze! Every level has enough :50 minute-long lessons/activities to last you an entire school year (if taught weekly).
How much do I have to know about technology to teach Cyber Civics? Not much. Remember, the most important digital literacy skills are social and behavioral skills. These lessons can be taught entirely without tech by anyone who is smarter than a 5th grader. Your wisdom is what kids need most.
What does it cost? Initial subscription fee for each level of the program depends upon the size of your school. There is a very low annual renewal fee for each level; this enables us to refresh the lessons (in real time), add new materials, and provide on-going engagement and support. Scholarships available for schools that cannot afford these costs.
What's included?
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Downloadable, easy-to-teach, in-classroom lessons.
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Support materials and videos.
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Send-home letters for parents with suggested at-home activities that align with each lesson.
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Monthly newsletter that keep teachers engaged and informed.
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Professional development support (including a "screen-share" tutorials for teachers).
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Plus, we are always available for telephone support.
What if we don't have the time or resources to teach the full year program of weekly lessons?
Some schools select the units that work best for them and teach the lessons when they can (we can help you with this). Plus, there's Cyber Civics Mini for schools pressed for time.
What about parents? We're glad you asked! Cyber Civics includes ready-to-send-home letters with activities that families can do at home. Every activity aligns with a lesson taught in the classroom. We also encourage you to invite parents and teachers to visit Cyberwise (a.k.a., No Grownup Left Behind) where we offer FREE resources and information on how to support children in their digital lives. We also hope you will read "Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationships with Technology" (HarperCollins Leadership) and encourage parents and teachers to download and use the free discussion guide that accompanies the book.
Do you visit schools? Yes! We often visit schools to deliver engaging parent presentations and to give teacher workshops. Learn more here.
Cyber Civics for Home School Families.
We offer a special rate for home school families, contact us to find out more:
TESTIMONIALS
“Since Cyber Civics started at our school, there have been only three reported incidences of poor digital behavior; none in the last two years. This is unheard of in this day and age. What has been a small investment has paid off tenfold. Plus it allows us to put our energy on what matters most, learning and teaching in a happy, safe, and healthy community.”
Shaheer Faltas
Former Administrator, Journey School; Current Administrator, Greenwood School
"Teaching Cyber Civics to my 6th graders is the favorite part of my week. The program is so easy to use and teach."
Karina Salvesen
Teacher, Novato Charter School
Cyber Civics lays a strong foundation for healthy digital ethics, information and computer literacy for our children so when they face inevitable, difficult choices online, they will make the right decisions.
Dr. Paul Helfrich
Teacher, Westside Waldorf School
After seeing Cyber Civics I am happy to endorse it on behalf of Charters OC as a solution to helping young people learn how to use digital media competently and thoughtfully. Lessons on topics such as digital citizenship, information literacy, and media literacy are needed now more than ever. Students need these skills to prepare them for college, the workforce, and life in general.
Susan Mas
Executive Director, Charters OC
I really, really really suggest looking at these lesson plans I found them to be excellent and easily implemented. My students enjoyed the lessons and they led to interesting class discussions.
Michele Conyesr
Teacher, Stone Bridge School
Over the course of three years working with Diana Graber and watching her develop the curriculum, I recognize that it is based on the the same cognitive developmental skills that are foundational to Waldorf teaching in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. While this curriculum has found a rich home in Waldorf schools that foster ethical development, it is a curriculum that can fit in all educational settings.
Bonnie River
Chair of Hybrid Program Waldorf Teacher Training, Rudolf Steiner College
The thoughtfulness and breadth of the program is an asset to our school, and the parents are very happy to have "tech-driver's-ed" in our curriculum.
Soni Albrecht
Teacher, formerly East Bay Waldorf School, now City of the Lakes Waldorf School
Cyber Civics is the best digital media literacy curriculum I've seen yet as it is developmentally based and creative. The lessons are thoughtful, interactive and encourage kids to connect and collaborate about the very thing that has the potential of disconnecting them-- technology! As an Administrator I wanted a curriculum that was thorough, timely and reflected the true realities that kids may encounter online. The curriculum needed to be simple to use and ready to launch with a price that wouldn't break our budget. I also wanted a resource for parents and a place to access new apps and ask questions as they arose. Cyber Civics has provided all of the above. I highly recommend this curriculum and commend Diana and her team for the creation of such a comprehensive and relevant curriculum.
Sheila Reilly
Former Administrator, Woodland Star Charter School