What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship is being ethical, moral users of the digital world. Learning to be a responsible user is the shared responsibility of teachers, parents, and students. Not only are we responsible for appropriate, ethical usage, we need to be aware of the negative implications our decisions may have; every electronic decision we make, leaves a digital footprint. For instance, pictures, usernames, posts, and comments all reflect on users. If employers look into a candidate's internet footprint, it may impact whether or not he or she will be considered for the position.
Being a digital citizen is an important part of education today because of the pervasiveness of technology. As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to model and teach responsible, ethical usage of the internet. In classrooms, students use technology for research, assignments, and enriching learning. Some examples of digital citizenship in the classroom are as follows:
Being a digital citizen is an important part of education today because of the pervasiveness of technology. As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to model and teach responsible, ethical usage of the internet. In classrooms, students use technology for research, assignments, and enriching learning. Some examples of digital citizenship in the classroom are as follows:
- Using personal devices for educational purposes
- Protecting personal information
- Respecting self and others
- Standing up to cyber bullying
- Citing references
- Refraining from illegal downloading
Mike Ribble's 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is understood to be the accepted, responsible behaviour associated with technology use. Mike Ribble identifies nine elements of digital citizenship, which are listed below.
1. Digital ACCESS is being a full participant in society electronically.
Not all people have equal access to technology. This digital exclusion makes it difficult for society to progress. Equal rights and access is an important component of Digital Citizenship. Providing access for all people is one of the goals digital citizens strive to achieve.
2. Digital COMMERCE is purchasing and selling goods and supplies electronically.
In today's world, a vast portion of economic transactions are conducted electronically. Many of these transactions are legal and legitimate; however, buyers and sellers need to be aware of the dangers associated with digital commerce. For example, there are many illegal/immoral activities that take place such as illegal downloads, gambling, and fraud. Digital citizens need to be aware of these dangers and how to protect themselves and others.
3. Digital COMMUNICATION is the exchange of information electronically.
Communication has evolved as technology has become pervasive in society. Previously limited, communication is now instant and continuous. Unfortunately, many digital communications utilize written text such as emails, instant messaging, and text messaging; the danger in this is that meaning often conveyed in tone, volume, and body language is lost. Digital citizens are aware of how to use these communication tools effectively.
4. Digital LITERACY refers to the process of teaching and learning about technology and its use.
Learners must be taught how to learn effectively in a digital world. Not only must learners be able to use a variety of technologies effectively, they must also be able to select the appropriate technology for the task at hand.
5. Digital ETIQUETTE is the code of conduct digital citizens use when conducting electronic interactions or transactions.
Like all social situations, there are written and unwritten rules and procedures which guide behaviour to encourage positive interactions for electronic usage. Responsible digital citizens understand and adhere to these standards.
6. Digital LAW is the responsibility that all people have for their use of electronics.
The unlawful use of electronics is often manifested in the form of theft or crime. Users must be aware of digital laws and adhere to them. For instance, hacking, illegal downloading, plagiarizing, creating viruses, sending spam, and identity theft are all examples of unethical behaviour.
7. Digital RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES are the freedoms and obligations extended to all those who engage in the digital world.
All users have the right to fundamental freedoms such as privacy and free speech. With these rights comes the responsibility to uphold these same rights for all people.
8. Digital HEALTH & WELLNESS refers to the physiological and psychological well-being of digital users.
Concerns such as eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomics are all issues that pose a risk to users' well-being. One aspect of digital citizenship includes training and education to teach users how to preserve their well-being.
9. Digital SECURITY is the electronic precautions users must take to assure their safety.
Like the physical world, theft, defamation, and disruptions are all concerns of the digital world. Responsible digital citizens take measures such as virus protection, data backups, and surge protection to ensure they remain safe electronically.
Not all people have equal access to technology. This digital exclusion makes it difficult for society to progress. Equal rights and access is an important component of Digital Citizenship. Providing access for all people is one of the goals digital citizens strive to achieve.
2. Digital COMMERCE is purchasing and selling goods and supplies electronically.
In today's world, a vast portion of economic transactions are conducted electronically. Many of these transactions are legal and legitimate; however, buyers and sellers need to be aware of the dangers associated with digital commerce. For example, there are many illegal/immoral activities that take place such as illegal downloads, gambling, and fraud. Digital citizens need to be aware of these dangers and how to protect themselves and others.
3. Digital COMMUNICATION is the exchange of information electronically.
Communication has evolved as technology has become pervasive in society. Previously limited, communication is now instant and continuous. Unfortunately, many digital communications utilize written text such as emails, instant messaging, and text messaging; the danger in this is that meaning often conveyed in tone, volume, and body language is lost. Digital citizens are aware of how to use these communication tools effectively.
4. Digital LITERACY refers to the process of teaching and learning about technology and its use.
Learners must be taught how to learn effectively in a digital world. Not only must learners be able to use a variety of technologies effectively, they must also be able to select the appropriate technology for the task at hand.
5. Digital ETIQUETTE is the code of conduct digital citizens use when conducting electronic interactions or transactions.
Like all social situations, there are written and unwritten rules and procedures which guide behaviour to encourage positive interactions for electronic usage. Responsible digital citizens understand and adhere to these standards.
6. Digital LAW is the responsibility that all people have for their use of electronics.
The unlawful use of electronics is often manifested in the form of theft or crime. Users must be aware of digital laws and adhere to them. For instance, hacking, illegal downloading, plagiarizing, creating viruses, sending spam, and identity theft are all examples of unethical behaviour.
7. Digital RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES are the freedoms and obligations extended to all those who engage in the digital world.
All users have the right to fundamental freedoms such as privacy and free speech. With these rights comes the responsibility to uphold these same rights for all people.
8. Digital HEALTH & WELLNESS refers to the physiological and psychological well-being of digital users.
Concerns such as eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomics are all issues that pose a risk to users' well-being. One aspect of digital citizenship includes training and education to teach users how to preserve their well-being.
9. Digital SECURITY is the electronic precautions users must take to assure their safety.
Like the physical world, theft, defamation, and disruptions are all concerns of the digital world. Responsible digital citizens take measures such as virus protection, data backups, and surge protection to ensure they remain safe electronically.
Respect, Educate and Protect (REPs)
Mike Ribble emphasizes the importance REPs as the foundation for digital citizenship. Each component of digital citizenship can be categorized into one of the three aspects of REPs and this model can be used to teach digital citizenship as follows:
Respect Your Self and Others
Educate Your Self and Connect with Others
Protect Your Self and Others
Respect Your Self and Others
- Etiquette
- Access
- Law
Educate Your Self and Connect with Others
- Literacy
- Communication
- Commerce
Protect Your Self and Others
- Rights & Responsibilities
- Security
- Health & Wellness
Adapted from Mike Ribble, 2016. Retrieved from: digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html