Importance of Digital Citizenship
Information for Earl Elementary Parents
What is Digital Citizenship?
The internet, social media, and technology in general all play a huge role in most people's lives today. A big concern with the huge world of technology is how do we keep our children safe? According to Dr. Mike Ribble and Dr. Gerald Bailey, "Digital citizenship is the continuously developing norms of appropriate, responsible, and empowered technology use" (Digital Citizenship—Using Technology Appropriately). We want our children to learn the basics of appropriate behavior while using technology, the internet, and social media. We also want them to understand the consequences to making poor choices.
Digital Citizenship includes:
- Norms
- Rules/laws
- Copyright
- Social Media
- Passwords
- Cell phone norms
- Responsibility
Why should We Teach Digital Citizenship?
ISTE, which stands for the International Society for Technology in Education, has standards for both students and teachers, strategies, and professional development that focuses on using technology in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning. One of the ISTE standards for students is the Digital Citizen standard that states, "Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical" (ISTE Standards: Students).
Students learn to:
- Students are in charge of their digital life and understand the consequences of their actions online.
- Students use appropriate and safe behavior online, including using cell phones and other handheld technology.
- Students understand the significance of sharing others pictures, videos, and information online with permission first.
- Students are able to take responsibility of their own personal informations and security online. They are informed of data use and tracking programs.
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The 5 Competencies of Digital Citizenship
- Inclusive- Using and communication with other appropriately online. Being kind towards someone who opinion is different than yours.
- Informed- I know that not all information on the internet are facts and am able to find reliable sources.
- Engaged- I can use my online presence in a positive way.
- Balanced- Time management of online activities
- Alert- Informed of the safety concerns and privacy of online information.
Resource:
Fingal, J. (2021, October 12). The 5 competencies of Digital Citizenship. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/explore/5-competencies-digital-citizenship
Common Sense Education
This website is full of great information on how to teach children about internet safety. There are family resources wit Digital Citizenship links, videos, and workshops.
NetSmartz
Provides age appropriate videos to children on how to stay safe on the internet.
Online Security and Privacy
This page gives parents and educators information on online privacy and security for their own devices and any devices their children are using.