What is Digital Citizenship?

According to the digitalcitizenship.net (under the "Welcome to the Digital Citizenship Today Website" title), "Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use." More than anything, digital citizenship is how to act appropriate while online. With everything becoming digital, it is important to teach the next generation how to be responsible while using the internet. There are 9 elements of digital citizenship.

The above image from madison.campusguides.com shows the 9 elements of digital citizenship. The picture shows the 9 elements of a good citizenship. Below is a list of the 9 elements and a brief description of each. 

1. Digital Access--participating on the digital society

2. Digital Commerce--buying and selling goods and services

3. Digital Communication--swapping information online

4. Digital Literacy--education about technology

5. Digital Etiquette--conduct yourself with correct netiquette (etiquette online)

6. Digital Law--following the law while using the internet

7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities-- knowing your and others' freedoms online

8. Digital Health and Wellness--keeping your wellbing safe online

9. Digital Security--keeping yourself and others safe online

This video from www.commonsensemedia.org has many good points and clearly explains what digital citizenship is and how good digital citizens act. 

The video below is from www.commonsense.org. This video is very informative about information that is personal and private. It clarifies what should and should not be shared on the internet. Personal information such as interests and favorites are considered okay to share. However, private information such as birthdate, social security number, and credit card numbers should not be publically shared on the web.

The following image from www.staffordmsd.org depicts a student making wise choices about using the web while at school and even when not at school. The student knows that he is only to use personal and electronic devices for educational uses. He also knows that he should be safe and appropriate while using the internet. The student does not give out his personal information and he knows that he should be respectful towards others. Finally, the student stands up and does not participate in cyberbullying. 

The following video from www.commonsense.org tells us how wrapped up in technology and the digital world we can actually be. A device-free dinner may be a good idea for your family.

Why should I be a good digital citizen?

Many people do not think about the many consequences when posting on the web or sending an email. The image below (from edkentmedia.com) shows what can happen when we do not follow the rules of digital citizenship.

Internet Resources:

Welcome to the Digital Citizenship Today Website digitalcitizenship.net

What Your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship edutopia.org

What is Digital Citizenship? cyberwise.org

References:

Common Sense. (n.d.). What is Digital Citizenship? Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/what-is-digital-citizenship

Common Sense. (n.d.). Digital Citizenship Videos. Retrieved from https://www.commonsense.org/education/video/digital-citizenship

Common Sense. (2017, April 14). Try a Device Free Dinner. Retrieved from https://www.commonsense.org/education/asset/video/try-a-device-free-dinner

Cyberwise. (n.d.). CyberWise Digital Citizenship | What Is Digital Citizenship? Retrieved from http://www.cyberwise.org/what-is-digital-citizenship

Davis, V. (2017, November 1). What Your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-citizenship-need-to-know-vicki-davis

Digital Citizenship Consulting - Education, Technology Support. (2017). Retrieved from digitalcitizenship.net

Edkent Media. (2017, June 30). What Does Your Online Image Project About Your Reputation? Retrieved from https://edkentmedia.com/what-does-your-online-image-project-about-your-reputation/

LibGuides: Digital Citizenship: Home. (2017). Retrieved from http://madison.campusguides.com/c.php?g=438476&p=2987630

West Corporation. (2018). Stafford Municipal School District. Retrieved from http://www.staffordmsd.org/departments/instructional_technology/cyber_safety