Digital Citizenship elements
Digital Citizenship – Mike Ribble, Digital Citizenship in Schools, Second edition, 2011.
Author Mike Ribble provides a basic definition and explanation of digital citizenship and presents its relevance and importance in our daily interaction with the digital world. The book offers activities that are practical in today’s classrooms. Here’s a brief description of his identified nine elements of this digital era:
Element 1 – Digital access Definition: Full electronic participation in society
Example of Inappropriate digital access: Teachers fail to accommodate students who do not have access to technology
Example of appropriate digital access: District administrators work toward providing technology opportunities for all students within their school.
Element 2 – Digital commerce Definition: The electronic buying and selling of goods
Example of inappropriate digital commerce: Students purchase goods online without knowing how to protect their identity (leaving them open to identity theft)
Example of appropriate digital commerce: Students spend the time to research what they want to purchase, then tale the time to identify “safe” site with the best prices.
Element 3 - Digital communication Definition: The electronic exchange of information
Example of inappropriate digital communication: Students text during class time.
Example of appropriate digital communication: Digital communication technologies such as social networking sites are used to support student activities in the classroom, such as sharing ideas or writings with others.
Element 4 – Digital literacy Definition: The process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology
Example of inappropriate digital literacy: Students choose alternative educational opportunities because their school or district does not offer online classes or a distance education program
Example of appropriate digital literacy: Teachers use digital technologies in new and innovative ways, such as creating content for the web that can be accessed by students away from the classroom.
Element 5 – Digital etiquette Definition: The electronic standards of conduct or procedure
Example of inappropriate digital etiquette: Students communicate on a social networking site without knowing the rules or responsibilities.
Example of appropriate digital etiquette: When communicating in a chat room, users learn the rules of the group before becoming involved in the conversation.
Element 6 - Digital law Definition: The electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
Examples of illegal technology use: Students download copyrighted music from social networking or file-sharing sites (e.g., Kazaa)
Examples of legal: Students understand what can be downloaded without charge and what is considered copyrighted material and should be paid for.
Element 7 – Digital rights and responsibilities Definition: Those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world
Example of inappropriate digital rights and responsibilities: Students use material from the Internet without properly citing the source
Example of appropriate digital rights and responsibilities: Students cite websites or other digital media sources when using information for class
Element 8 - Digital health and wellness Definition: Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world
Example of inappropriate digital health and wellness: Administrators and teachers ignore the possible harmful physical effects of technology in students
Example of appropriate digital health and wellness: Teachers model digital safety in their classrooms and expect their students to do the same.
Element 9 – Digital security Definition: The electronic precautions to guarantee safety
Example of inappropriate digital security: Students fail to protect their identity when using email, social networking, or text messaging
Example of appropriate digital security: Users take the time to make sure their virus protection and firewalls are properly updated and configured to protect personal information.
Image2 courtesy of rileyleclerc