Fortinet Partners with Discovery Education and Verizon to Launch Digital Citizenship Initiative
In an era where digital literacy is paramount, Fortinet Inc. has joined forces with Discovery Education and Verizon to launch the Digital Citizenship Initiative, a program designed to equip students and educators with essential tools and resources for navigating today's digital landscape. This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to fostering a safer online environment while addressing key challenges such as cyberbullying and online privacy.
1. The Need for Digital Citizenship Education
The Digital Citizenship Initiative stems from a comprehensive white paper titled *Risks and Resilience: Why Digital Citizenship Matters in K12 Education*. The document outlines pressing issues faced by students today, emphasizing the necessity of educating young minds about the complexities of digital technology and its implications on everyday life. Discovery Education defines digital citizenship as a framework of strategies and behaviors that promote responsible and safe online interactions.
2. A Collaborative Effort
The initiative brings together three influential entities: Discovery Education, Verizon, and Fortinet. Each organization contributes unique expertise to develop a range of resources tailored for K-12 educators and students. These include ready-to-use materials, digital lessons, and video content through the DEMystified series, covering subjects from science and health to social studies and English language arts. The resources will be updated quarterly, ensuring that educators have access to the latest insights on digital citizenship.
Statements from Key Leaders
Alex Servello, Associate Vice President of Responsible Business at Verizon, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Being part of the Digital Citizenship Initiative is the latest building block in Verizon’s work to empower people to live, work, and play. Students are our future, and we are proud to support them as they learn to use digital technologies responsibly.”
Rob Rashotte, Vice President of Fortinet Training Institute, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity education: “As a cybersecurity leader, we believe that staying ahead of sophisticated threats and cyber risks requires building a more cyber-aware society. We are proud that this curriculum will now be leveraged in the Digital Citizenship Initiative to further develop fundamental security skill sets across our global community.”
3. Accessing the Resources
Educators looking to implement these resources can visit the Digital Citizenship Initiative website at digitalcitizenship.discoveryeducation.com. Additionally, those with access to Discovery Education Experience can find specific materials on the dedicated Digital Citizenship channel.
The Future of Digital Education
Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Discovery Education, remarked on the transformative impact of digital technology on education. “Supporting digital citizenship is critical for preparing students to navigate an increasingly connected and complex online environment,” she stated. “Thanks to our partners – Verizon and Fortinet – for your leadership in preparing students to navigate our tech-driven world responsibly.”
4. Conclusion
As digital technologies continue to evolve, the Digital Citizenship Initiative represents a proactive approach to equip future generations with the skills they need to thrive in an interconnected world. By focusing on the importance of digital citizenship, Fortinet, Discovery Education, and Verizon are paving the way for safer online experiences, ultimately fostering a more responsible digital society.
For more information about this initiative and other educational resources, visit the Discovery Education website.
