Digital Citizenship - Part 2

According to Ribble, the definition for digital citizenship is “the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use” (2013). You may want to think of it as ethics for technology, which means doing what is right regarding the use of technology even when one is monitoring you. For example, you are not trying to use someone else’s passcode to log in with because you don’t know the passcode. As the use technology increases in school environments, digital citizenship should be a daily point of focus to ensure that students, parents, and education personnel (administrators, teachers, and support staff) understand the severity of this issue. In this daily discussion, we need to address all nine of elements to ensure that everyone will use technology in a responsible manner.

The first element is digital access, which should be our goal. We should strive as digital citizens to ensure that everyone has the same right to the digital assets (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.19). That means we need to do our part by making sure that every student has equal access to technology. For example, when I give homework or assignments which require the student to use the internet, I provide classroom time so we can go to the computer lab or they can go to the Media Center. I do this because I know that some of my students do not have access to technology at home and I cannot hold them accountable for the assignment. Additionally, I like the fact that I can monitor the students in the lab, and this relieves the parent from trying to say they have homework which requires the use to the computer. Also, it was noted that using technology, students will be motivated to complete their assignments (p. 178). Moreover, students will be motivated, too, (p. 176).

Another element is digital commerce. Digital commerce is simply the purchasing or selling goods over the internet legally (Ribble, 2013). However, we must make everyone aware of the fact that not all goods are legal to purchase or sell over the internet. For example, any unmoral acts or purchase of a controlled substance is illegal. Also, everyone needs to know that you cannot download a song or movie without purchasing the song or movie. Additionally, once you purchase the movie or song, you cannot make copies of it and give the copies to your friends. This would be an illegal act even though you purchased just for your use only (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.19).

Digital citizens are able to communicate effectively with other people in many forms (Ribble, 2013). For example, I can use email, Twitter, Facebook, cell phone, texting or chatting. However, we must keep in mind that we must be responsible digital citizens by obeying the digital laws (Ribble, 2013). Also, keep in mind that we do have freedom of speech, but that does not excuse us from communicating images or words that violate the law, such as sexting or cyberbullying (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.16). If we understand digital etiquette which is just following the proper procedures when using technology, then we will be responsible digital citizens. Furthermore, as educators we must educate our student about digital literacy, so they can be productive digital citizens in society.

The next element is digital health and wellness (Ribble, 2013). This simply means that you need to be aware of the physical and the psychological issues associated with the use of technology. First, you should be aware that the light given off from the computer can cause eye issues (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.13). I experienced these computer caused eye issues, when I had to input data for eight hours a day. I started having headaches; so, I made an appointment with my doctor. Afterwards, he recommended that I wear glasses, and then my headaches stopped. Also, he suggested that I take periodic breaks from staring at the computer. Additionally, people should be aware of the fact that using earphones could cause hearing problems (p.13).However, if technology is not misused; it is great for providing addition assistance for students who need tutorial help (p.174). Another good thing when technology is correctly, it can provide opportunities for students to improve their creativity and thinking skills (p.176).

Finally, the last two elements are digital security and literacy, which are very important. Everyone must think of personal data safety at all times when using the internet (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.19). You should be very careful about what information you provide to other people online. Please keep in mind that criminals are on the internet, too! They are waiting for you to reveal any details about you that they can capitalize off of and they care don’t that it can hurt you in many ways. For example, if you decide to tweet or put information that you have a vacation home on Cumberland Island which you only visit once in June. You decide to put pictures of your luxury home and state that you do not have an alarm system because no one steals on the island. You have just given a criminal another house to rob. I am pretty sure he can find your address to your beach home, since he knows your name. Digital Citizenship involves educating people in a new way— these individuals need a high degree of information literacy skills (Ribble, 2013).

Reference
Ribble, M. (2013). Digital Citizenship. Using Technology Appropriately. Retrieved from http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/
Roblyer, M .D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating Educational Teaching Technology into Teaching (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson