Welcome to Digital We

Digital We, it starts with me!

What does “Digital We” mean and how does it start with me?

The power of digital media is immense. Just think about how Justin Bieber went from an unknown talent to a mega star teen idol through the power of a video sharing site like YouTube and a social networking site like Twitter! And we all know the story of our own Maria Aragon from Manitoba! You can probably think of a number of examples (both positive and negative) of this phenomenon and the everlasting effect it can have on people. This power can be used to do a lot of good in the world.

What if we decided to use the power of digital media to help make a difference in our world, our community or even in our school? How could we use digital media to support our actions? What sort of actions would we take?  

The Digital We community is about thinking critically and creatively about how you can use digital media to make a positive difference somewhere. It is about learning what others are doing and sharing what you are doing to inspire others to get involved.

What is digital media? We are defining digital media to be any form of electronic method of expression, communication and/or interaction. It could include: text, images, video, email, blogging, micro-blogging, music, social networking, virtual worlds, etc. that is used to engage others.

How can you participate?

We are inviting Manitoba teachers and their students to:

1. Listen to the “It Starts with Me” song, posted on the Digital We blog, and think about what you can do to create the world you want to live in. What actions can you take (or you are already taking) to make a difference?
2. Tell us your story of how you are taking action to make a difference in your classroom, school, community or world. Create a video, a dance, a song, a presentation, or any other digital form to tell your story. Be as creative as you want!
3. Share your story with other students and teachers around Manitoba and the world by submitting it to us. We will post it on the Digital We blog.

What might your submission look like?

If you are just thinking about taking social action and are in the beginning stages, tell us what you are learning and what you are hoping to do! If you are already taking social action, tell us what you are doing! To share is to inspire others so please take this opportunity to let others know what you are planning and/or doing. You may create your story in any digital form and be as creative as you like.

There are Prizes!

We are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to be entered into a random draw for prizes for being willing to share your story with others!

When you submit your story your class will be entered into a random draw to win one of six iPod Touchs with a $25.00 iTunes gift card for your class.  Please see submission guidelines for details on how to submit your story.

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm and the draw will be held on May 14, 2012.

Digital We was created in partnership with the following groups in celebration of Media Literacy Week 2011:

 The Manitoba Teacher's Society - http://www.mbteach.org/

The Manitoba Association for Computing Educators - http://www.manace.ca/




 


Manitoba Education: Literacy with ICT Across the Curriculum Initiative - http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/lict/index.html




 
In collaboration with the Media Awareness Network - http://www.media-awareness.ca/