March 1, 2013 US/Pacific
New Digital Citizenship Program Launched by ESA in Los Angeles
Press Conference held February 13, 2013, at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School.
Los Angeles, CA -
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and EverFi, Inc. launched a new initiative in Los Angeles called the Digital Living Project.
This initiative will provide an important instructional platform at no cost to school districts or taxpayers. The program is currently in use in 20 schools across Los Angeles, including at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School where the Press Conference was held.
Set to expand to additional schools throughout 2013, this new-media learning platform, developed by leading education technology leader EverFi, Inc.,
combines the power of instructional design, rich media, simulation and gaming.
"Guidance around safe and responsible online behavior should be a core part of the curriculum in all schools," said California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. "Education can help considerably in preventing and
dealing with the consequences of cyberbullying and online harassment. I hope we can all affirm that, while the Internet has changed how we interact, it has not fundamentally changed how we should treat one another."
This 4-hour curriculum is for students in 8th and 9th grade. It aligns with national standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education,
as well as emerging state standards. The program covers a wide range of topics including digital footprint, privacy, security, cyberbullying, and digital relationships.
The Digital Living Project curriculum also focuses on building digital skills, such as creating a blog, maintaining a responsible social networking profile,
and evaluating online research sources for legitimacy. By helping students understand the power of technology, the program also exposes them to possible career opportunities in the field.
The learning platform tracks knowledge gain as well as students' attitudes and behaviors on these important issues. "Numerous independent studies show that game play has positive impacts on social awareness,
creative thinking, and classroom learning," said Erik Huey, senior vice president at ESA, the U.S. trade association representing computer and video game publishers.
"By partnering with EverFi, we are using digital learning and gaming to empower students across Los Angeles with the skill set to understand the nuts and bolts of how technology works and leverage these tools safely and effectively."
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