Attention Citizens of The Internet
Looking at our current digital age it is crucial for educators to include digital etiquette and digital citizenship in the classroom to help set students up for life in the digital age. I can reflect on my life and wish that I was more anonymous on the internet and didn’t have as much of a presence in the online space as I do. The world is beautiful and taking in moments away from a screen is something I enjoy more than having to sit in front of a screen to read emails, having a habit of checking other peoples lives on Instagram or facebook, or my reliance on googling everything since I was 10 years old. I am thankful for educators in my life that always told my class that employers always check facebook or Instagram to see what kind of personal life you live, so don’t be posting about getting drunk or partying. Not that I do that anyway it was the beginning of what I would call being a good digital citizen.
Getting to now try and be an educator myself, it is nice that there is more information available that teaches how to be a good digital citizen. I liked reading Ribble’s nine elements of digital citizenship and I hope that I would be able to create an interactive unit that goes through each of the nine elements to educate students on navigating the digital world, and ultimately encouraging them to be good digital citizens. My idea right now to do this would be to create a “fake internet” simulation under a point system where students who conduct themselves responsibly in the simulation would earn more points for doing so and the students that do not would receive less points. I think this would be a fun way to encourage digital citizenship.
For reference this is Ribble’s 9 elements of digital citizenship.
1. Digital Access is about the equitable distribution of technology and online resources. Teachers and administrators need to be aware of their community and who may or may not have access, not only in school but at home as well. Educators need to provide options for lessons and data collection such as free access in the community or provide resources for the home.
2. Digital Commerce is the electronic buying and selling of goods and focuses on the tools and safeguards in place to assist those buying, selling, banking, or using money in any way in the digital space. Career and technical education use the tools of technology to show students the path for their future.
3. Digital Communication and Collaboration is the electronic exchange of information. All users need to define how they will share their thoughts so that others understand the message. For students struggling to understand their place in the world, technology can help them find their own voices and express themselves.
4. Digital Etiquette refers to electronic standards of conduct or procedures and has to do with the process of thinking about others when using digital devices. Teachers can include Digital Etiquette as part of the classroom rules or academic goals. Whether in the classroom or online, being aware of others is an important idea for everyone.
5. Digital Fluency is the process of understanding technology and its use. The better educated or “digitally fluent,” students are, the more likely they are to make good decisions online, like supporting others instead of making negative comments. Digital literacy includes the discussion of media literacy and the ability to discern good information from poor, such as “fake news” from real news.
6. Digital Health and Welfare refers to the physical and psychological well-being in a digital world. Technology provides many opportunities and enjoyment, but knowing how to segment use with the needs of ourselves and others is key to a healthy, balanced life. Educators, especially in 1:1 schools or classrooms need to ask the question of how much screen time is appropriate for students. Common Sense media has developed a guide on this topic.
7. Digital Law refers to the electronic responsibility for actions and deeds and has to do with the creation of rules and policy that address issues related to the online world. Just as in the real world, the online world has had to create structure to protect those using these digital devices from harm. Support for issues such as cyberbullying and sexting are available from School Resource Officers and other school counsel. Administrators need to come up with positive approaches to these issues in their schools and districts.
8. Digital Rights and Responsibility are those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. This area of Digital Citizenship is about helping students understand that when they are provided opportunities, such as the access to the Internet and use of online products, they need to be diligent in helping others as well, such as informing adults of potential problems. Educators must help students understand that protecting others both online and in the real world are essential skills to have.
9. Digital Security and Privacy is the electronic precautions to guarantee safety. Viruses, worms and other bots can be passed along from one system to another just like an illness. When using devices in school or at home, understanding and being aware of attacks and how to prevent them are important skills for today and into the future.
Found at: https://www.digitalcitizenship.net/nine-elements.html
I think by incorporating Ribble’s 9 elements of digital citizenship it is the hope that students will take a lot from my desired interactive simulation to one day look back and thank the teacher that helped them be responsible citizens online. I also think it will be cool to see how digital citizenship has grown since I was in school when students become teachers one day to educate their students and expand on what they know about digital citizenship.
About The Author
Cale Kindrachuk
Cale Kindrachuk is second year Education student at the University of Regina.