How can a person’s character affect their digital footprint?

Can character lead to being a good digital citizen?

According to Ribble, there are nine elements that all students should know when it comes to digital citizenship. Element 3 is Digital Communication which is the exchange of information. Devices have changed the way people communicate. Communication is now instant and sometimes happens without much thought. When communicating online, it is important to remember that all correspondence leads to one’s creation of their own digital footprint which will always be floating around in cyberspace. So when communicating, it is important to keep in mind what rules, options, and etiquette students need to be aware of when using digital communication technologies. Digital Communication directly connects with Element 5 which is Digital Etiquette or the electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Students need to be aware of others when they use technology and should realize that their use of technologies can have an affect on others. This is where teaching students about having technology etiquette or netiquette at an early age is important while also teaching and enforcing a district’s AUP or acceptable use policies. But even more importantly, it is important to teach students about what good character means. According to the International Center for Leadership in Education, there are 12 Guiding Principles of Exceptional Character.

Adaptability • The ability and willingness to change; to put yourself in harmony with changed circumstances.

Compassion • Kindness; the desire to help others in distress.

Contemplation • Giving serious consideration to something; to think things through carefully.

Courage • Bravery; the willingness to put your beliefs into practice. The capacity to meet danger without giving way to fear.

Honesty • Truthfulness, sincerity; the act or condition of never deceiving, stealing, or taking advantage of the trust of others.

Initiative • Eagerness to do something; the capacity for thinking of and acting on your own ideas without prompting by others.

Loyalty • Faithfulness, dependability; the quality of being faithful to another person in the performance of duty or adhering to a contract with another person.

Optimism • Positive beliefs; the inclination to take a hopeful view or think that all will work out for the best.

Perseverance • Working hard at something; the quality of trying hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties.

Respect • Regard, value, admire, and appreciate; special esteem or consideration in which you hold another person or thing.

Responsibility • Accountability; to consider yourself answerable for something.

Trustworthiness • Reliability; dependable, deserving of trust and confidence.

According to ACSD and Character Education for the Digital Age by Jason Ohler, we should teach our kids to have one life instead of two as in a separate physical and digital life. They are the same. If we aim to teach students these qualities and reiterate that there shouldn’t be a difference in who they are or how they act online versus offline, then we will set up our students for having a healthy and positive digital footprint. Our students will know how to digitally communicate and treat others while online; thereby, leaving school with a digital footprint that they are proud of and can take with them into the real and digital world!

References

Ohler, J. (2011). Character education for the digital age. Educational Leadership, 68(5), 187-205. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb11/vol68/num05/Character-Education-for-the-Digital-Age.aspx