Cybersecurity Essentials for Schools: A Conversation with English Montreal School Board

By Nicole Arsenault, Pedagogical Delegate with Engaged Learning
with the assistance of GenAI, namely Gemini and ChatGPT, after initially using a transcript from the original virtual conversation.

In a recent virtual event hosted by Engaged Learning (recording available here), experts from the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), Caroline Dupuis and Julian Taylor, discussed the critical importance of cybersecurity education in schools. They co-authored an article on this topic for Engaged Learning magazine (subscribers can read it here), emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to teaching students how to be safe and responsible digital citizens.

The Evolving Landscape of Digital Citizenship in Education

In today’s digital environment, teaching students about digital citizenship and cybersecurity is essential. Caroline and Julian stress the importance of embedding these concepts into teaching practices rather than treating them as standalone topics. Caroline notes, “Usually when we talk about cybersecurity, it’s not necessarily the most exciting topic. It’s a bit dry,” reflecting the challenges educators face in engaging students with this crucial content.

For over a decade, Caroline and Julian have collaborated with EMSB to integrate digital citizenship into classrooms. They have witnessed educators create innovative projects that include cybersecurity elements. Caroline explains, “We invite them to address various elements as they go on,” highlighting the need to contextualize cybersecurity within everyday digital interactions, such as appropriate online communication on platforms like Google Classroom.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) adds complexity to the landscape. Julian remarks, “In the last year and a half, you’ve been probably hearing a lot about this new thing called AI… has gotten a lot more attention because a lot of the increases of what it’s capable of and also, how accessible it is.” This insight underscores the necessity for evolving our understanding of digital safety and responsible use as technology progresses.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Caroline points to Law 25, which has implemented stricter data privacy regulations in Quebec. She talks about the challenge of shifting “…our mindset towards being a little bit more rigorous in our process as we’re using different apps online and different tools.” The law’s requirement to keep student data within Canada has led to important discussions about the pedagogical benefits of various online tools. Julian adds, “They don’t know what the parameters are,” highlighting the confusion many educators face regarding compliance and best practices.

Cyberbullying also remains a pressing issue. Caroline emphasizes the importance of distinguishing typical conflicts from cyberbullying, stating, “Making those differences is also very important.” Integrating empathy training into the curriculum equips students with tools to recognize and effectively address cyberbullying. Nicole, from Engaged Learning, who facilitated this conversation, adds that “cyberbullying is a concern that all schools and school boards are experiencing right now.”

As educators prepare students for the digital world, they must consider the hidden costs of online engagement. Nicole reads a snippet from Caroline and Julian’s article: “The more we put out there, the higher the chances of us being victims of fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying.” This highlights the critical need for discussions around privacy, information sharing, and the importance of sharing only essential data.

The role of teachers is evolving as they guide students in safe online behaviour. Caroline suggests that, just as teachers provide instruction in a science lab, they must also offer guidance in digital environments: “We want to give them instruction.”

Key Takeaways

• Integrate Cybersecurity: Embed digital citizenship and cybersecurity education within existing curricula, rather than treating them as separate topics.
• Innovative Projects: Encourage teachers to create projects that highlight cybersecurity principles, using real-life contexts to engage students.
• Understand AI: Recognize the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on digital safety and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.
• Navigate Regulations: Be aware of laws like Law 25 that impact data privacy, ensuring compliance while leveraging digital tools for education.
• Address Cyberbullying: Differentiate between typical conflicts and cyberbullying, integrating empathy training to help students navigate online interactions responsibly.
• Promote Privacy Awareness: Educate students about the risks associated with online engagement, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information.
• Evolving Teacher Roles: Support educators in their role as guides in digital spaces, providing them with the resources needed to instruct students effectively.

In conclusion, integrating digital citizenship and cybersecurity into education is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and empathy among students. By equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to address these issues, we can better prepare our students for the challenges of the digital age.

Click here to view the complete recording!