Elements of Digital Citizenship

Integrating the nine elements of digital citizenship into classroom instruction is essential for preparing students to navigate the online world responsibly and effectively. Here’s how I plan to approach each element in my teaching:

• Digital Access: Ensuring equitable access to technology is foundational. I will assess students’ access to devices and internet connectivity, collaborating with school administration to provide necessary resources, such as loaner devices or information on community programs offering free internet access.

The following video is a great discussion on equitable access to technology.

• Digital Commerce: Educating students about online buying and selling is crucial. Lessons will cover recognizing secure websites, understanding digital transactions, and discussing the implications of digital commerce, including topics like online scams and protecting personal financial information.

• Digital Communication and Collaboration: Students will learn appropriate use of various digital communication platforms. We’ll explore the etiquette of emails, social media interactions, and collaborative tools, emphasizing clarity, respect, and understanding the audience and context of each platform. I found a website that contains interactive lessons and games that teach students respectful online communication.

• Digital Etiquette: Modeling and teaching respectful online behavior is vital. Classroom discussions will address the impact of words and actions in digital spaces, the consequences of cyberbullying, and the importance of empathy and kindness in all interactions. CiberCivics was a wonderful resource where I found useful information and lesson plans for digital interactions that students can have.

• Digital Fluency: Developing critical thinking skills related to digital content is essential. Students will engage in activities that enhance their ability to evaluate the credibility of online information, understand the creation and purpose of digital media, and recognize biases and misinformation.

• Digital Health and Welfare: Promoting a balanced approach to technology use will be a priority. We’ll discuss the physical and psychological effects of excessive screen time, strategies for maintaining digital well-being, and the importance of setting boundaries to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Age-appropriate recommendations for healthy technology use can help parents and caregivers control kids screen time use.

• Digital Law: Understanding the legal aspects of digital actions is crucial. Lessons will cover topics such as copyright laws, the consequences of illegal downloads, and the importance of respecting intellectual property.

• Digital Rights and Responsibilities: Students will be informed about their rights in the digital world, such as privacy and freedom of expression, alongside their responsibilities to respect others’ rights and report inappropriate or harmful content.

• Digital Security and Privacy: Teaching students how to protect their personal information is paramount. We’ll cover best practices for creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and understanding the importance of keeping software updated to safeguard against security threats.

By embedding these elements into the curriculum, I aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be responsible and empowered digital citizens, capable of making informed decisions and contributing positively to the digital community.

References:

Ohler, J. (2011). Character education for the digital age. Educational Leadership, 68(5). Retrieved from https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/character-education-for-the-digital-age

Jurgenson, N. (2012). The IRL fetish. The New Inquiry. Retrieved from https://thenewinquiry.com/the-irl-fetish/