"[T]here exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others. To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in one's own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically. Furthermore, it is also true in the digital world that a message cannot be proclaimed without a consistent witness on the part of the one who proclaims it. In these new circumstances and with these new forms of expression, Christians are once again called to offer a response to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is within them (cf. 1 Pt 3:15)" (Pope Benedict XVI, Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age, World Communications Day 2011, Vatican).
The mission of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is to continue the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. All archdiocesan communities are dedicated to that mission, and to further it, communications with and among the faith community are vital. Archbishop Gomez has incorporated communications as one of his four pastoral values for the archdiocese.
As the virtual world has become the dominant means of communication, the archdiocese endeavors to take full advantage of that world's resources while assuring itself, as well as those who are served, that the proper use of such means of communication and the boundaries of appropriate relationships are well understood and respected by all.
The Church, especially as represented in this large and diverse archdiocese, must embrace modern technologies, but must also balance that effort with an equal commitment to safe and appropriate use and respect for individuals that reflects God's loving nature. Each year the Pope issues a letter for World Communications Day emphasizing the importance of Christian communication and integrating the effective use of modern technology into our journey of faith.
The Spiritual Framework has suggestions, including the Prayer before Logging onto the Internet and information on the life of St. Isidore (c. 560–636), the as-yet-unofficial patron saint of the Internet.
"Critical thinking and ethical choices about the content and impact on oneself, others, and one’s community of what one sees, says, and produces with media, devices, and technologies."
Anne Collier, NetFamilyNews.org
The school recognizes the growing need to help students and families develop responsible and ethical relationships with media and technology. The school’s digital citizenship goals are consistent with and interdependent on the school’s Mission, Core Beliefs, and SLE’s. Typically, digital citizenship involves the following topics: access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, rights & responsibilities, health & wellness, and security. ISTE standards for Digital Citizenship along with Catholic Social thought form the basis for the school’s digital citizenship approach.
ITSE Digital Citizenship Standard
2. Digital Citizen: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical.
2a: Students cultivate and manage their digital identity and reputation and are aware of the permanence of their actions in the digital world.
2b: Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.
2c: Students demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property.
2d: Students manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to track their navigation online.
We want our students to be competent, happy, healthy, loving, and safe offline as well as online. As Educational Technology continues to grow on campus so will the school’s formal digital citizenship instruction (in the Technology Curriculum, but also woven throughout the entire course of study).
See the 10.6 Frequently Asked Questions in the ADLA’s Administrative Handbook for many resources related to schools, the Church, and the digital citizenship.
Please crefully review the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) starting with section-10-1-Electronic Devices
