What is Digital Citizenship, Anyway???

What is Digital Citizenship, Anyway???

Art Credit~ http://dcp.lbpsb.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/digital_citizenship.jpg

Digital Citizenship is a concept that helps EVERYONE learn how to utilize technology in an appropriate and acceptable manner.  Good digital citizenship should apply to everyone, not just teachers and other business professionals!

The following three traits stood out as the most important for me.  Following each trait, I will explain why I felt these held great importance within the world of Digital Citizenship.

Respect:
Respect in the world of Digital Citizenship involves respecting YOURSELF, OTHERS, as well as the LAWS we must abide by.  In order words, do not do anything that create a disrespect or disregard for any of these three categories.  Practice good Digital/Internet Etiquette.  Do not put anything on the internet you would be embarrassed for ANYONE else to see, period.  Do not break the law in any way.  This includes hacking, plagiarizing, downloading music or movies illegally.

Educate:
Educate yourself in what's available in today's digital environment.  It changes SO fast and we, as educators, need to stay on the cutting edge of the world of 21st century technology.  Our students certainly do just that! :)  We need to be able to present our students with the how's and why's of digital commerce, it's rules and responsibilities.  We also need to educate ourselves and our students regarding "how to choose" the best technology that will get the job done in our ever changing digital world.

Protect:
We all have rights when we post, connect, and give our opinions or comments.  We need to learn the BEST way to do these things: to protect ourselves as well as those who we are communicating and sharing information with.  We must protect our internet safety and demonstrate the best way to protect our students and colleagues as well.  Virus protections, strong passwords, backing up information are all important ways we can protect ourselves in our digital working environments.

To sum it all up...

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP is a compilation of doing all the things you need to do to make sure you are presenting yourself in the best light, following the rules, educating yourself as you go, and protecting yourself from those who may not be practicing digital citizenship like they should be!