Talking Politics Online: Educating for Online Civic and Political Dialogue
by Erica Hodgin
While reaching beyond the classroom walls and integrating an opportunity for dialogue across political differences may seem overwhelming to facilitate, a variety of online platforms enable youth to have more frequent opportunities to engage in civic and political dialogue and doing so in the context of a classroom can lend needed support. In the past, youth typically only discussed civic and political issues in structured discussions or debates that took place in their classroom, school, or after school activities, that were facilitated or overseen by an adult, and with peers that were known to them (Kahne, Hodgin & Eidman-Aadahl, 2016). Now, online dialogue can take place anytime, anywhere (Ito, et al., 2013). While online dialogue can be riddled with conflict, engaging youth in productive civic and political dialogue in schools is increasingly critical as youth report relying on advice and support from adults—mainly parents and teachers or another adult at school—to help them navigate online conflict (Lenhart et al., 2011).
This chapter first outlines what we know about youth engagement in online civic and political dialogue and the role schools and teachers can and should play. The chapter also conceptualizes five learning opportunities that can be integrated into the classroom as a means of building young people’s capacity for civic dialogue and voice. Then, the chapter highlights four key challenges teachers face, as well as supports that are needed to integrate such learning opportunities in high-quality and equitable ways.