Digital Citizenship

 3/5/24

Digital Citizenship

We  were introduced to the concept, usage and elements of digital citizenship. After learning this concept I realized the importance of being digitally literate person and why should one be even concerned with the digital citizenship and society. Everyone can post , yet the right and responsibilities comes along as a digital citizens. It aims to teach everyone what technology users must understand in order to use digital technologies effectively and appropriately. This concept will help students recognize inappropriate technological behaviors wherever it occurs. For instance the misuse of technology such as using web sites to threaten students and  downloading illegally from the internet. 

Let me take you through the concept of Digital citizenship, the role of a teacher, and  responsibilities as a teacher and users as digital citizens. 

What is digital citizenship? 

Upon hearing the word digital citizenship, some may understand as having the Identity card of digital world but, Digital citizenship can be defined as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

Digital citizenship can be understood with its nine elements
which are having the knowledge of  digital access to
 technologies and other tools., online businesses, 
electronic exchange of information, digital technology usage, 
the online behaviors, legal rights and restrictions, the 
privileges' ad freedoms extended to all the digital users,
 physical and psychological well being and privacy protection

 for personal safety. 

Nine elements of Digital Citizenship: 

1. Digital access                       2. Digital Commerce

3. Digital communication          4. Digital literacy 

5. Digital etiquette                     6. Digital law

7. Digital rights and 

responsibilities                                                8. Digital health and wellness

9. Digital security

As digital citizen of a country, what is the role of a teacher in digital citizenship?

Having technologies integrated in the school level is not enough. We as a teacher needs to provide active direction to the students. We cannot guarantee student's knowledge on the appropriate usage what is and what not  of  digital tools and platforms. Thus, it it is the responsibility of  educators to help define appropriate technology use. 

Teachers play a crucial role in digital citizenship by empowering students to become responsible digital citizens who can navigate the online world safely and ethically in following ways: 

1. Educating students about online safety and privacy. Teach students how to protect their personal information, avoid online scams, and navigate social media responsibly. 

2. Teach them how to evaluate the credibility of the online sources, identify misinformation and think critically about the content they encounter online. 

3. Teachers promote positive online behavior by teaching students about digital etiquettes and respectful communication.

4. Guide students in understanding the impact of their online actions such as cyberbullying, digital footprints and consequences of sharing inappropriate content online. 

5. Teach students to cite the sources appropriately when using for educational or any other purposes. 

What digital rights and responsibilities as a teacher should carry out in society, community and world?

Being a member in digital society means each users is afforded with certain rights and responsibilities.

• Teachers should ensure that all students have  equal access to digital  resources and information regardless of their background and circumstances.  

• Teachers should educate as well as advocate about intellectual property rights and the importance of respecting copyright laws and licenses when using digital content. This includes teaching students how to properly cite sources and create original world while avoiding plagiarism. 

• Teachers have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive digital learning environment by addressing cyberbullying  and promoting positive online behavior.  

                      'Let's be fair and engaged digital citizens'.