Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
This week was an information overload, but in such a positive way. This week I really reflected on the definition and idea of digital citizenship and how it should be implemented to yield a positive result. I learned that digital citizenship is much more detailed than I ever thought before. After reading part of Mike Ribble's "Digital Citizenship In School", I learned there are nine essential elements to digital citizenship. They are then categorized into three sub categories that are references as "REP". They stand for Respect, Educate, and Protect. They are sorted based on the same principle or what could be easily implemented. They are listed as follow:
Respect Yourself/Respect Others
-Digital Etiquette
-Digital Access
-Digital Law
Educate Yourself/Connect with Others
- Digital Communication
- Digital Literacy
- Digital Commerce
Protect Yourself/Protect Others
-Digital Rights and Responsibility
- Digital Security
- Digital Health and Welfare
Digital etiquette is understanding that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated, think of their feelings, and interact appropriately. Digital Access ensuring that we are aware that not all people have the same digital access. The final, Digital law such as copyrights, and digital use laws. Ensuring that we are giving credit to those that have created such digital media.
Digital literacy is understanding that we can learn outside of the classroom. As digital learners, we gain information from numerous sources such as family, friends, media, and school. Students need to learn how to use technology correctly. Digital communication is thinking about communicating with others, thinking about the message, the method of communication you use. Lastly, digital commerce, refers to the aspect of buying and selling using digital media. Ensuring that your personal information is safe and protected.
Digital rights and responsibilities, is thinking of others when posting, sharing, interacting online, protecting yourself and your children. Digital security is making sure your technology is updated, having firewalls and protection in place to protect your personal information and data. The last element is the digital health and wellness. This is the idea of balancing the digital word and the real world. It refers to setting boundaries and screen time restrictions to ensure safety.
All of these elements are used to structure and support the implementation process of digital citizenship. These topics should be taught with fidelity and scoffolded throughout their education. These are skills that are needed to be modeled each day at home and in school. Students need to see the ideas practiced and modeled for them to set the expectations of what a digital and globally connected citizen should be. To learn more about these ideas and to find resources to help with your own implementation process visit my webpage over digital citizenship.