What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level.
This is why digital citizenship is such a crucial topic to teach today’s students.
As the rate of technological advancement continues to increase, the world as a whole is becoming more dependent on the Internet for day-to-day activities.
That can mean checking a bank account, purchasing a product, or simply keeping in touch with a friend.
Because of this, digital citizenship applies to “those who use the Internet regularly and effectively,” according to Karen Mossberger (et al) of the Massachusetts Institute for Technology.
As a result, there’s a major difference between good digital citizenship and bad digital citizenship.
Good digital citizenship engages young students and shows them how to connect with one another, empathize with each other, and create lasting relationships through digital tools.
Bad digital citizenship, on the other hand, entails cyberbullying, irresponsible social media usage, and a general lack of knowledge about how to safely use the Internet.
Fortunately, almost all of the requirements to be a good digital citizen can be taught in the classroom.
What concepts does Digital Citizenship include?
If you want to teach digital citizenship, you'll want to focus on seven key concepts:
- Empathy
- How the Internet works
- Understanding user data
- Practicing digital literacy
- Acknowledging the digital divide
- Practicing digital wellness
- Securing digital devices
Resources:
The MIT Press. (n.d.). Digital Citizenship. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/digital-citizenship
Zook, C. (n.d.). What Is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It? Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship
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