What is Digital Citizenship?
For my little learners- Digital Citizenship means understanding that when you use the computer or any type of technology you have rights and responsibilities. When you are a 'citizen' on the Internet, it is the same as being a 'citizen' in everyday life. You must do many things like keep yourself and others safe, know your rights and responsibilities, 'pay' for the information you find instead of stealing it, and respect others in all situations.
For the adults or 'big kid' learners- Throughout this website there will be information and activities to help your young student learn the 'ins and outs' of digital citizenship. It is our responsibility to teach them the correct way to use the internet while being safe, legal, respectful, and proper with all they do. You must help them by modeling the right way of doing things so they follow in your foot steps. Technology is booming and these young learners are on a rocketship towards an all electronic and digital world. Schools are doing as much as they can outside the normal curriculum to educate the young students, but there is so much that can be done at home to get them started. Let's help them out by teaching them now instead of dealing with the consequences later!
For the adults or 'big kid' learners- Throughout this website there will be information and activities to help your young student learn the 'ins and outs' of digital citizenship. It is our responsibility to teach them the correct way to use the internet while being safe, legal, respectful, and proper with all they do. You must help them by modeling the right way of doing things so they follow in your foot steps. Technology is booming and these young learners are on a rocketship towards an all electronic and digital world. Schools are doing as much as they can outside the normal curriculum to educate the young students, but there is so much that can be done at home to get them started. Let's help them out by teaching them now instead of dealing with the consequences later!
The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
To the left you see a chart with the 9 elements of digital citizenship. Here is a brief description of each of the elements. Go through these 9 elements with your children. Have your child put these elements in their own words to help develop understanding. You many also point out these elements as you explore other pieces of technology and the internet.
9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
1. Etiquette- When communicating and developing technology resources, there is an unwritten etiquette expectation. Many places include rules and codes of conduct to allow for guidelines. When they are not established, we must teach our young users what is acceptable. At times we can write in 'text or Instant messaging' language, but other times we must be professional and respect those reading the content.
2. Literacy-This involves teaching technology users quickly and efficiently how to use a new piece of technology when it is developed. This includes businesses, schools, military, medicine, and many other occupations.
3.Access- All users of technology must understand that in order for our world to experience growth, there should be equal access of technology.
4.Security- Safety is one of the most important elements of digital citizenship. Just like we lock and protect our home, we must do the same with our technology and the information we enter on the Internet. All technology should have virus protection, back up protection, surge protectors, etc. Most importantly with security is the information we enter through the Internet. We must teach children what information is appropriate (First Name) and what information should never be entered without adult permission (Address, birthdate, phone number, email address, images, videos).
5. Health & Wellness- This includes eye safety (correct lighting and screen resolution), the chair you are sitting in, stress, and safety of others around you.
6. Commerce- Commerce means the selling and buying of goods online. All Internet users must understand that it is very easy to buy and sell products online, but you must be able to identify which websites are legal and illegal.
7.Communication- Just like we have to be careful what information we share in person, through phone calls and texting, we must do the same with information we share online. Remind our young internet users that personal information should NEVER be shared in an email, chat room, instant message, blog, etc.
8.Rights & Responsibilities- Rights and responsibilities are very comparable to the ones we have with the Bill of Rights. With technology we have the freedom of speech, privacy, and equal access to technology. We also have the responsibility of correctly using the technology and respecting others and their rights.
9. Law- There are laws in the digital world, just like real world. The digital user must not destruct or destroy anyone's property, steal others products, hack in to other's personal information, download music illegally, or create viruses.
9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
1. Etiquette- When communicating and developing technology resources, there is an unwritten etiquette expectation. Many places include rules and codes of conduct to allow for guidelines. When they are not established, we must teach our young users what is acceptable. At times we can write in 'text or Instant messaging' language, but other times we must be professional and respect those reading the content.
2. Literacy-This involves teaching technology users quickly and efficiently how to use a new piece of technology when it is developed. This includes businesses, schools, military, medicine, and many other occupations.
3.Access- All users of technology must understand that in order for our world to experience growth, there should be equal access of technology.
4.Security- Safety is one of the most important elements of digital citizenship. Just like we lock and protect our home, we must do the same with our technology and the information we enter on the Internet. All technology should have virus protection, back up protection, surge protectors, etc. Most importantly with security is the information we enter through the Internet. We must teach children what information is appropriate (First Name) and what information should never be entered without adult permission (Address, birthdate, phone number, email address, images, videos).
5. Health & Wellness- This includes eye safety (correct lighting and screen resolution), the chair you are sitting in, stress, and safety of others around you.
6. Commerce- Commerce means the selling and buying of goods online. All Internet users must understand that it is very easy to buy and sell products online, but you must be able to identify which websites are legal and illegal.
7.Communication- Just like we have to be careful what information we share in person, through phone calls and texting, we must do the same with information we share online. Remind our young internet users that personal information should NEVER be shared in an email, chat room, instant message, blog, etc.
8.Rights & Responsibilities- Rights and responsibilities are very comparable to the ones we have with the Bill of Rights. With technology we have the freedom of speech, privacy, and equal access to technology. We also have the responsibility of correctly using the technology and respecting others and their rights.
9. Law- There are laws in the digital world, just like real world. The digital user must not destruct or destroy anyone's property, steal others products, hack in to other's personal information, download music illegally, or create viruses.
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