In this digital age, our children are growing up as digital citizens. To ensure their safety and ability to contribute positively to society, educating them about their digital responsibilities is essential.
Join us on Kids Gone Global as we talk to Laura Jakubowski, the Technology Integration Coach about how she developed a digital citizenship curriculum for the International School of Hamburg tailored to younger students, focusing on digital literacy and societal participation.
The program follows a systematic approach, beginning with digital citizenship for 5-6-year-olds, building a foundation of skills for their journey through secondary school. Concepts covered include responsible use, media balance, digital identity, data protection, research skills, and managing online presence.
Laura emphasizes self-awareness and establishing routines and habits around technology use and screen time. Digital safety and addressing cyberbullying are fundamental aspects of education. The curriculum focuses on teaching students to use technology responsibly and kindly, while also providing resources to handle cyberbullying situations. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare children for a future where technology serves as a conduit for meaningful connections between people.
Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich, your host, serves as the Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg. With a career in European government relations and public affairs, Sarah has worked within EU institutions, the consular corps, and leading international companies. Her academic and professional interests have always centred on governance and citizenship, making the mission of the International School of Hamburg—to prepare students as tomorrow’s global citizens—a perfect fit. In 2022, upon joining the International School of Hamburg, Sarah launched the Kids Gone Global podcast. This initiative aims to provide a platform for sharing the insights of experts and students in the dynamic field of international education. Through the podcast, she engages parents and the broader community in discussions about modern educational approaches and how international schools are addressing contemporary challenges in learning and growing up in a global environment.
Guest
Laura Jakubowski
Laura is an experienced educational technologist and curriculum developer with a focus on helping students and educators navigate the digital world responsibly. At the International School of Hamburg (ISH), she spent three years developing a holistic Digital Citizenship Curriculum for young learners. She also regularly leads workshops, coaching cycles, and training sessions for staff and parents on a range of topics related to educational technology and digital citizenship. Before joining ISH, Laura worked in the Greater New York City area as an educational technologist and professional development specialist. In that role, she designed and facilitated training sessions for educators, supported school-wide professional learning, and piloted STEM initiatives in partnership with various schools, including those within the NYC Department of Education. Laura began her career as a teacher and Social Studies Curriculum Leader in the NYC Department of Education. She developed Common Core–aligned curricula, contributed to improvements in student learning, and integrated technology into her teaching to increase engagement and support diverse learners. She also participated in collaborative inquiry teams and curriculum planning efforts across her department. Throughout her career, Laura has focused on creating practical, supportive learning experiences for teachers, students, and families. Her work continues to help school communities use technology thoughtfully and build the skills needed for responsible participation in a digital world.
What is Kids Gone Global - The International School of Hamburg Podcast?
In the new podcast series "Kids Gone Global" we embark on a journey to understand how the International School of Hamburg, Germany’s pioneering institution in international education, shapes its students into global citizens.
By delving into these topics, be prepared to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of international education experts and how they prepare students to thrive in a globalized world.
Join Sarah Reich, Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg, as she leads us on this journey. Through discussions with students and experts in education, we learn about the school's approach to helping students hone their skills to be ready for the future workplace and confident to engage actively in an increasingly interconnected world.
There is a reading list available for this series on our website. Please visit - https://info.ishamburg.org/podcast