In the midst of researching this week’s blog post entitled, “Level Up Learning: How Gamification Transforms the Classroom,” we came across a gem we just have to tell you about (if you don’t know about it already): Common Sense Media Education.  

"Common Sense Education is a great site. It provides free access, and many districts use it for their digital citizenship curriculum.”

~ Micah Miner, expert in EdTech and social studies curriculum, educational thought leader, curriculum consultant and author of AI Goes to School

The Digital Lowdown

Common Sense Education is widely considered a valuable resource for educators, offering in-depth reviews of educational technology tools, comprehensive digital citizenship curriculum, and curated lists of age-appropriate media, making it a trusted platform for teachers to navigate the digital landscape and select appropriate materials for their students.

However, however, some critiques mention occasional navigation issues and a potential lack of detailed implementation strategies for certain reviewed tools. 

Some of the Features You'll Find

• Free activities and lessons on digital citizenship for grades K-12 
• In-depth expert reviews of EdTech tools
• Comparisons of the best edtech tools by category
• Professional Development resource
• Reviews of books, movie, TV reviews, games, podcasts and apps 

Key Strengths 

• Comprehensive reviews: The site provides thorough reviews of educational apps, websites, and platforms, considering factors like pedagogical value, age-appropriateness, accessibility, and potential risks.
• Digital citizenship focus: It also offers extensive resources on digital citizenship education, helping teachers equip students with skills to navigate online safely and responsibly.
• Curated content: Common Sense curates lists of high-quality educational tools based on age and subject area, making it easier for teachers to find relevant resources.
• User-friendly interface: The website is designed to be easy to navigate and search, allowing you to quickly access the information you need.
• Credibility and expertise: Common Sense Media has a strong reputation for providing independent, research-backed reviews, so you can feel confident about the info you find there. 

Potential Limitations

• Limited implementation guidance: While reviews provide detailed information on tools, some users may desire more specific guidance on how to integrate them effectively into their curriculum.
• Potential bias: Some critics argue that Common Sense Media's reviews may reflect a certain conservative viewpoint on media content.
• Navigation complexities: Although generally user-friendly, some users may find the site's structure slightly confusing, especially when navigating through multiple categories. 

Sample Lesson:

Taking a Stand of Cellphone Bans
What are the impacts of a school-wide cellphone ban?

Features:

• A specific lesson for grades 6-12, 20 minutes, called “Taking a Stand on Cell Phone Bans”
• Expand the conversation with an article entitled, “Should Your School Have a Cellphone Ban? Use these tips to determine what will work best for your school community."
• A collection of 15 free lessons entitled “Digital Well-Being Lessons for Grades K–12: Research-based lessons to support students' social-emotional learning and digital well-being.”