Digital Citizenship

In society, a good citizen is someone who conducts oneself in accordance with the rights, duties, and privileges of being an inhabitant of a region (W. Huitt, January 2005).  In cyberspace, we can define a good Digital Citizen in much the same way -  a person who conducts oneself online in accordance with the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use (Dr. Mike S. Ribble).  Education is often viewed as the prerequisite to good citizenship, and this also holds true for good Digital Citizenship.  Just as children need to be taught what is acceptable conduct in society, they also must be shown what is acceptable on the Internet.  Digital Citizenship is a complex issue that needs to be introduced in age appropriate stages throughout a student's education. 

To assist educators in implementing a comprehensive strategy on promoting and developing Digital Citizenship in schools, there has been much work done in this area.  To provide a starting point and help teachers grasp the scoop of Digital Citizenship education, an author by the name of Dr. Mike Ribble has identified the 9 key themes surrounding digital citizenship, in his book, "Digital Citizenship in Schools and Raising a Digital Child".  Here is a summary of Dr. Ribble's 
9 Elements of Digital Citizenship:

1. Digital Access:  full electronic participation in society
2. Digital Commerce:  electronic buying and selling of goods
3. Digital Communication:  electronic exchange of information
4. Digital Literacy:  process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology
5. Digital Etiquette:  electronic standards of conduct and procedure 
6. Digital Law:  electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities:  those freedoms extended to everyone in the digital world 
8. Digital Health and Wellness:  physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world
9. Digital Security:  electronic precautions to guarantee safety 

(Source URL:  <http://digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html>)

From an education perspective, I believe the main issues surrounding Digital Citizenship are how Internet users should manage online relationships, provide personal protection from online attacks and show accountability for posted online viewpoints and opinions. This would involve focus on cores issues such as access, behaviour, etiquette, cyberbullying, and safety.  Again, the educator has a wealth of online resources they can turn to.  One site I found out of the UK, encourages educators  to use their infographic on teacher blogs or websites.  It deals with reminding students of the Do's and Don'ts of online manner.

(Source URL:  <http://www.knowthenet.org.uk/infographic/be-careful-trolling-can-happen-anyone>)

The message is effective and real:  all Internet users have a personal accountability for how he or she applies technology to digital relationships, activities and personal goals.