DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
What is it?
A digital citizen demonstrates responsible behaviour with regard to the use of technology. They respect themselves and others in an online environment.
Digital citizenship is a way to prepare students for a how to be contributing members to the online community of technology users. It is a way to ensure students begin to consider what is appropriate technology usage.
Digital citizenship is a way to prepare students for a how to be contributing members to the online community of technology users. It is a way to ensure students begin to consider what is appropriate technology usage.
Teachers Empowering Students
The subject of digital citizenship has been rapidly expanding throughout North America and around the world. Whether it is referred to as digital citizenship, digital literacy, digital etiquette, or other it is the responsibility of the educators and the parents in the the children’s lives to prepare them for the online world.
Educators are often inspired by other educators around the world. By connecting with other educators it you are able to learn from their successes and their failures.
Steps that you can take:
Educators are often inspired by other educators around the world. By connecting with other educators it you are able to learn from their successes and their failures.
Steps that you can take:
- Ask educators you work with, look to see what they are doing in their classrooms to empower their students
- Connect with other educators using Professional Learning Networks
- Identify what is age-appropriate behaviour and expectations
- Approach your school administrator to host a school wide digital citizenship week or month in your school
ISTE Standards
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed a series of standards for students, teachers, administrators, and coaches to adhere to in their use of technology (ISTE, 2015).
The goal of these standards is to create a reference in which to evaluate the skills and the knowledge students need to learn in order to be contributing members to a growing global community. While the standards vary slightly between each stakeholder, each has a standard devoted to digital citizenship and responsibility. Within the ISTE Standards for teachers there are five standards to be considered for teachers to follow as they create, implement, and assess their lessons. In particular there are two that relate closely with digital citizenship. To prepare our students for the digital world they live in, it is the responsibility of the adults in the students' lives to model appropriate use of digital technology. A part of this includes becoming a respectful member of the digital society (ISTE, 2015). It is imperative that teachers demonstrate respectful interactions with others in the online environment. By demonstrating digital etiquette, by using privacy settings, by communicating responsibly in social interactions, by modelling ethical use of information found on the Internet, by following copyright laws, and by demonstrating an understanding of global awareness teachers are able to help develop their students into responsible digital citizens. |