| This study of digital media engagement, through participation in a class blog, explored its impact on 5th grade students' communication and collaboration, and morality and ethics-based thinking, in regards to the socially significant topic of cyber bullying. The use of a classroom blog as a space to develop cyber citizenship skills was also examined. With minimal research in this area, especially within this elementary-aged group, this qualitative study utilized a variety of ethnographic practices to better reflect the subjective nature of (digital) dialogue and participant actions and reflections. The findings suggest that digital media, with its participatory nature, enabled greater communication and cognitive collaboration amongst its participants. The 22 students in this study contributed knowledge and advice to each other, which in turn helped to establish a strong blogging community; a collective group where students admitted to feeling safe and able to share personal experiences and opinions regarding cyber bullying. Additionally, complex moral and ethical-based cognitive characteristics were also evident, albeit to a lesser degree when compared to advice and knowledge-sharing evidence. Combined participant demonstration of communication and collaboration skills with moral and ethics-based thinking lends support to the use of a classroom blog as space for the development of cyber citizenship. In light of the growing influence of digital media on the social and cognitive development of children, this study presents an opportunity for curriculum developers, educators, and students to reconceptualize how digital space can be used to support literacy. Through classroom digital experiences, civic-minded collaboration can also be better supported in a space where educators guide and students mentor each other. |
