Promoting citizenship competencies in a school environment mediated by digital educational resources

Abstract

Citizenship competencies allow children and young people to develop integrally to become citizens and builders of a democratic society through values practice, active listening, decision-making, critical thinking, and peaceful coexistence. However, students' negative actions can disturb interpersonal relationships and school coexistence. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to foster citizenship competencies through digital educational resources (DER) in eighth-grade students of Gustavo Romero Hernández school in Tibaná, Boyacá – Colombia. The methodology of this study adopted a qualitative approach with a descriptive scope and action research design. Teachers' and students' opinions validated the impact of DER in strengthening these competencies. The design and implementation of a techno-pedagogical unit led to the conclusion that educational technology facilitates students to express their feelings, put ethical values into practice and resolve school conflicts peacefully. Furthermore, appropriating the disciplinary knowledge of citizenship competencies in a friendly school environment improves the relationships in their school coexistence.