Photography as a Pathway to Social-Emotional Learning and Student Voice

Outline

00:00–00:10 - Opening & Framing:
Welcome and grounding activity. Introduce the concept of photography as a pathway to SEL and belonging. Review ISTE and SEL connections.

00:10–00:25 - Mini-Lesson Experience:
Participants engage in a guided photography prompt and short reflection, mirroring a student experience. Discuss how creative expression supports self-awareness and community connection.

00:25–00:45 - Collaborative Design:
Small groups adapt the lesson for their grade level or context, creating a photography + reflection activity using shared templates. Peer feedback and discussion on alignment with SEL outcomes.

00:45–00:55 - Reflection & Application:
Group share-out of participant-created activities. Explore implementation strategies, classroom management, and inclusive access considerations.

00:55–01:00 - Wrap-Up & Takeaways:
Provide digital resources (rubrics, reflection prompts, consent workflows, and facilitator guide). Reflect on next steps for integrating creative SEL in participants’ own schools.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:

- Facilitate digital storytelling projects that help students express personal narratives, both joyful and challenging, in real-world contexts.
- Implement flexible, learner-led approaches that promote student agency, allowing students to explore digital platforms creatively and critically.
- Create a classroom environment that encourages students to become active digital creators, collaborators, and problem-solvers by using storytelling to address social issues.
- Incorporate diverse digital tools and platforms to enhance student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills across multiple formats.

Supporting research

"Digital Citizenship in Schools" by Mike Ribble
This article discusses the importance of digital citizenship and provides a framework for educators to integrate these concepts into their teaching.

"The Importance of Digital Citizenship for Today’s Youth" by Common Sense Education
This article outlines why digital citizenship is essential for young people navigating online spaces.

"Digital Citizenship in Schools" by Mike Ribble
This book provides a comprehensive overview of digital citizenship and offers practical strategies for educators.

"The Digital Citizenship Handbook for School Leadership Teams" by Jennifer Casa-Todd
This book explores the role of school leaders in promoting digital citizenship and provides actionable steps for implementation.

“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
This book examines the rise of anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges among today's youth, exploring how social media, cultural shifts, and overprotective parenting contribute to this growing crisis.

Common Sense Education
Offers resources and curricula on digital citizenship for educators, including lesson plans and assessments.

The Digital Citizenship Project
A comprehensive resource that provides tools and insights for educators, parents, and students about responsible digital behavior.

Recognized Experts:
Mike Ribble
An expert in digital citizenship, Mike Ribble has authored several books and articles on the subject and provides training for educators on integrating digital citizenship into their curricula.

Mimi Ito
A cultural anthropologist and expert on youth and digital media, Mimi Ito explores how young people use social media and technology in their daily lives.

"Youth and Digital Media: A New Research Agenda" by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society
This paper discusses the impact of digital media on youth and outlines areas for further research.

"Social Media Use and Mental Health among Young Adults"
This research examines the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes.