Promoting Digital Citizenship (April blog)

 Learning Activity 

Explain the concept of Digital Citizenship? Elaborate the nine elements of the digital citizenship.

Digital citizenship means the responsible use of technology by everyone who interacts with the society at all levels using computers, the internet, and digital devices. It is also a code of good and responsible behavior when using technology. To understand the complexities of digital citizenship and the issues of technology use, misuse, and abuse. Here are nine elements that make up a goof digital citizenship, there are;

1. Digital access: It is a full electronic participation in the society. Technology provides opportunities for large numbers of people to communicate and interact very quickly. However, not everyone has a access  to all the tools of this new digital society. due to socioeconomic status, disabilities, and physical location, these opportunities are not equally available to all students or teachers. lack of technology access include families who do not have the financial ability to have technology at home, school districts that have few computers for their schools and rural schools that lack access to high-speed internet connections. teachers need t encourage technology use in their classroom. in schools where a majority of students do not have access to technology in the home, additional opportunities such as a open computer labs, evening access to school libraries, and extra-curricular activities should be offered to make up the difference.

2. Digital commerce: The buying and selling of goods online. It may not seem to be important issue for the teachers and technology users, but it is keenly important for students. Students use internet resources to learn about items they want to purchase and to buy those items directly online. students need to understand that their actions online can follow them throughout their life (eg; ruining heir credit card by running up large credit card dept or getting scammed). students purchase goods online without knowing how to protect their identity (leaving them open to identity theft), therefore if teachers make aware on this, students will become informed consumers so that they can safely purchase items online. we could make a difference in students life by letting them interact with others and discussing the appropriate way to shop online, students can find what they are looking for and buy it from a reputable dealer. too often, users just stop at the first site that looks like it will fulfill their needs, to protect against identity theft, users also need to be aware of who can see their information online.  

3. Digital communication: the electronic exchange of information. Digital communication provide users with instant access to others. many prefer using e-mail over a phone call because email provides a record of the message. Too often, emails are sent without considering who might see or how they might be interpreted. sometimes speaking to someone face-to-face can solve a situation faster than multiple emails. Students and teachers use digital communication devices when they will not interrupt what is going on in the school or classroom. Teachers use blogs to inform parents of classroom activities, some inappropriate digital communication are students use instant messaging and email shorthand for class assignments when asked to give complete answers and students use text messaging to cheat on tests. we could make a difference by teachers researching the use of technology before using in their classroom. just hearing about something that someone else has used in class does not always mean that it will work. teachers therefore should take responsibility  by checking around and ask questions about what technology can and can't do.

4. Digital literacy: it is defined as the capability to use digital technology and knowing when and how to use it. Digital literacy is necessary for the correct use of various digital platforms. Literacy in social network services help people stay in contact with others, pass timely information, and even buy and sell goods and services. Digital literacy can also prevent people from being taken advantage of online, as photo manipulation, frauds and phishing often can fool the digitally illiterate, costing victims money and making them vulnerable o identity theft. However, those using technology and the internet to commit these manipulation and fraudulent acts possess the digital literacy abilities to fool victims by understanding the technical trends and consistencies; it becomes important to be digitally literate to always think one step ahead when utilizing the digital world. We need to understand that certain technology skills are critical when entering the work world. Just knowing technology is not enough. We  all need to understand how a given technology works and how to use it properly.

5. Digital etiquette: it is defined as the basic rules of conduct users of technology should follow in order to be responsible citizens online. We should all use good manners which include using appropriate behavior and making good choices when we are in the digital world. These manners includes being respectable online: we must think about who can see or read what you are sharing or posting. We must think twice before posting anything. Watch your language: words, sarcasm and humour can be easily taken out of context. We must always ask permission before posting someone’s images or personal information. We should post only if the information is true, helpful, necessary and kind. Everyitme that we post something online, we leave a permanent digital footprint and also what we say and do online today may negatively affect your future education or employment.

 6. Digital Law: It is defined as an electronic responsibility for actions and deeds online. Ethical use encompasses all activities on the internet that abide by the laws of society. For an instance, ethical use of internet includes proper citing sources, respecting others and abiding by the terms of use for references, files, applications etc. that we use. While unethical use encompasses all activities on the internet that do not abide by the laws of the society which includes hacking, pirating software, downloading videos and music illegally, plagiarizing , creating and disseminating virus through messages in social media. Some of the common laws we get in conflict are; Plagiarism; it is defined as using someone else thoughts and ideas as your own without properly giving them the credit. Plagiarizing others work has have a serious consequences, including failing grade, suspension and even expulsion. In order to use copyright materials, we must obtain permission from the copyright holder in accordance with the law. Failure to understand and comply with digital laws can result in serious legal. Therefore, as a educator we have a responsibility to make sure that students are informed and ready to use digital technology in a legal and ethical manner.

7/ Digital Rights and responsibilities: it is defined as the privileges and freedoms extended to all digital technology users including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, access to information and the ability to participate in online communities without fear of discrimination or harassment. Some of the freedom we have are; Freedom of speech where an individual has the right to express oneself freely on digital platforms; Privacy: the right to keep personal information private and secure while online; Intellectual property: the right to protect ones creative work such as writings and music from being used without permission or compensation. Digital responsibilities refer to the ethical and social responsibilities that individuals have when using digital technologies and the behavioral expectations that come with them. Some of the digital responsibilities individuals have are; security: to take measures to protect one’s own and others digital security such as using strong passwords and not sharing personal information; Cyberbullying: to refrain from cyberbullying or engaging in other harmful behaviors online that could harm others. Therefore, it is important to be aware of digital rights and responsibilities to ensure that individual use digital technologies in a responsible and ethical manner, which promotes a safer and most inclusive digital community.

8/ Digital health and wellness: the elements of physical and psychological well-being related to digital technology use. It means to use technology in ways that support ones overall well being, including establishing healthy habits around screen time, prioritizing mental health and self-care, seeking out reliable sources of health information. Digital health and wellness is an essential component of digital citizenship as it promotes responsible, mindful, and positive engagement with technology.

9/ Digital security: It is defined as the precautions that all technology users must take to guarantee their personal safety and the security of their network. It involves using technology in ways that protect personal and sensitive information and safeguard against online predators and other potential threats. It also includes being aware of common online scams and phishing attempts, and taking steps to prevent identity theft and other forms of digital fraud. It can also include being mindful of the content posted online, and taking steps to secure social media accounts and other profiles. By being aware of potential threats and taking steps to mitigate risks, digital citizens can help to create a safer and more secure digital environment for themselves and others.

Q.2/ What is the role of teacher in digital citizenship?

- The role of a teacher in digital citizenship are; a teacher should demonstrate good digital citizenship by modelling appropriate online behavior, creating awareness and advocate students on digital citizenship.  Educate students about online safety and privacy: advocate students about the risks of sharing personal information online and how to protect themselves from online predators. Encourage responsible use of technology: teacher’s should create awareness to the students about the consequences of cyberbullying, plagiarism and copyrights infringement. Thus, the role of a teacher in digital citizenship is mainly to educate students about the online safety, encourage responsible use use of technology, teach digital literacy, foster digital citizenship skills, and create a positive classroom culture that values digital citizenship.

Q.3/ What are the digital rights and responsibility you as teacher should carry out in society, community and world?

- Teachers play a vital role in promoting digital rights and responsibilities in society, community, and the world by respecting privacy, where a teacher can create awareness on how to protect personal information from unauthorized access and the importance of protecting personal information online. We can advocate society on the right to freedom of expression so that they will communicate respectfully and know how to avoid online harassment. A teacher can also make the society aware on how to access to accurate and reliable information online and evaluate the credibility of online sources. And also one’s responsibility to use technology responsibly, avoiding harmful or inappropriate content and respecting the others rights online to promote peace and harmony in the society and world as a whole.

Q.4/ Share you personal judgement, observations, experiences that younger generations in using technologies? (Positive/negative-How?)

- In my personal opinion, I feel that technologies has a great deal of advantages in younger generation. Technology has made learning more engaging and interactive. With access to online resources and digital learning tools, students can learn at their own pace and explore topics that interests them. Technology has made it easier for younger generations to communicate and connect with people around the world. Social media platforms like Facebook, twitter, and Instagram have made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family members and also we can communicate with people in real time. Technology has also made it easier for younger generations to stay informed and aware of what is happening around the world. Overall I feel that it has more positive impact than negative impacts on younger generation if used wisely and it will continue to shape the way they learn, communicate, create and work in the future.