Third-graders at School No. 10 recently got a virtual visit from Clicky, a robot character who has helped them through the years with lessons about staying safe in a cyber world.
As part of their technology curriculum, students at all of Linden’s elementary schools are taught digital citizenship, where they explore issues such as cyber bullying, sharing information, online etiquette, and trustworthy websites. As early as kindergaten, students are taught about digital safety, as well as physical safety, and the importance of establishing a trusted adult in times of need.
Kim Kefalas, technology teacher at Schools No. 8 and 10, teaches her students to be “Net Smart Kidz” through videos and lessons sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The mascot of these videos is Clicky, the world’s No. 1 safety robot. For four years, students have trusted Clicky to teach them important lessons, and Mrs. Kefalas would review those lessons with discussions and follow up activities.
On Nov. 11, Clicky joined the School No. 10 third-graders for a special live video chat after Mrs. Kefalas reached out to him through social media asking if he could make an appearance.
“This was a wonderful way to show students the positive power of technology and social media and reminded them that the videos and lessons they have participated in are relevant and valuable to their digital life every day,” she said.
Clicky and the students shared their ideas through a live video hookup in the school’s auditorium. They discussed future characters to be added to the video series as well as ideas for future lessons. Clicky was very impressed with the students’ knowledge and was happy to hear they have remembered lessons going back to kindergarten.