Digital Citizenship Competencies
Teaching digital well-being doesn’t mean providing students with a list of “don’ts.” It’s about the do’s – modeling and practicing skills that help young people become thoughtful, empathetic digital citizens who know how to use technology to learn and solve problems in their digital and physical communities.
The digital citizenship competencies, developed by the ISTE-led DigCit Coalition in conjunction with coalition partners, shift the conversation from don’ts to do’s.
The DigCit Competencies
Balanced
Students participate in a healthy variety of online activities and know how to prioritize their time between virtual and physical activities.
Informed
Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective and validity of digital media, and have developed critical skills for curating information from digital sources.
Inclusive
Students are open to hearing and recognizing multiple viewpoints, and engaging with others online with respect and empathy.
Engaged
Students use technology and digital channels to solve problems and be a force for good in their families and communities.
Alert
Students are aware of their digital actions and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.
Digital Citizenship lessons
Elementary
Students will learn the difference between online and offline activities, how to identify trusted online sources and how to use digital storytelling tools to express their creativity.
Middle
Students will establish strategies for digital well-being, discuss how online information can influence opinions through information bubbles and will practice how to be good cyberfriends and supportive bystanders.
High
Students will evaluate how technology can have positive and negative impacts on their overall wellness; examine media literacy principles to create, analyze and share content; and foster cross-cultural understanding in an online cultural exchange.