What is Digital Citizenship?

Dissected Digital Citizenship Definition

• "responsibility of an individual" - Often individuals use digital devices and resources with little to no supervision. Having this lack of supervision requires individuals to maintain proper discipline when utilizing digital resources. Individuals must accept this responsibility, especially when engaging with other individuals or groups of individuals online. All individuals are accountable for his or her digital actions.
• "digital devices" - Any device that can access or utilize the Internet or network resources. These devices includes, but not limited to, desktop computer, laptops, tablets, and cellphones.
• "resources" - Resources is a broad term that describes both hardware and software that provides Internet or network access to the user's digital device(s). This includes, but is not limited to, network serves, wireless connection (WiFi), websites, and applications.
• "communications" - One of the primary roles of the Internet is to provide communications between individuals or groups of individuals. These communications can happen in a variety of forms including, but not limited to, emails, text messaging, social media sites, forums, and personal blogs.
• "lawful" - Individuals' digital actions must not violate any local, state, or federal laws. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual to know and abide by any governing laws. However, there needs to be commitment from government agencies and digital resource providers to educate their constituents on laws pertaining to digital behavior.
• "ethical" - While laws provide guidelines for digital use from a legal standpoint, individuals also are responsible for using digital resources and communications in a morally acceptable manner. What is morally acceptable or unacceptable may change depending on the individual's community. Individuals should strive to have high moral character with his/her digital actions, being reminded often that individuals are accountable for his/her actions.
• "efficient" - Especially in the education or work environment, individuals are responsible for using digital resources in a way that promotes learning or productivity. Individuals should not use digital resources to procrastinate or distract others from completing necessary tasks. Self-discipline by an individual will keep him/her away from time-wasting websites and games. While there is a time and a place for games and entertainment websites, they are usually not appropriate in the education or work settings. As technology is ever changing, individuals should make a reasonable effort to continue learning about technology trends and changes. Knowing how to properly use digital resources can help individuals be more productive and safe online.
• "safe" - Individuals should learn ways to protect him/herself from cyber criminals. It is important for one's financial safety to know how to properly vet websites, unsolicited emails, and unsolicited phone calls or text messages. Proper password management is also an important safety skill to master. It is important for one's physical and emotional safety to know general guidelines for safe communications online, whether through social media, messaging apps, websites, or text messages.
• "promotes positive development of the individual" - Individuals should always use digital resources in a manner that improves him/her in mind, body, and spirit. Positive use promotes positive changes in an individual. Equally, negative use promotes negative changes in an individual. Being a good digital citizen is similar to being a good citizen of one's community. Individuals should strive to learn and grow daily to become a better person, on and off-line.
• "promotes positive development of ... surrounding communities" - Individuals' actions, especially through social media sites and communications, can have an impact on the surrounding communities. These communities could be family members, group of friends, school population, religious organization, and/or city population. Individuals should use digital resources in a manner that will have a positive impact on the surrounding people in his/her life. Just as one should strive to make his/her community a better place by being a good citizen (abiding by local laws, keeping the city clean, volunteering, supporting local business and events, assisting those in need, etc), one should strive to make the surrounding (physical or online) communities a better place.

To learn more about Digital Citizenship, please watch the video or visit the resources below:

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provides great resources for digital citizenship and more. ISTE's various standards have been adopted by many organizations and is a leader in educational technology guidelines and policies. ISTE Digital Citizenship (https://www.iste.org/explore/categorylist?code=Digital+citizenship)

Common Sense is an organization devoted to providing resources, materials, and curriculum to parents and educators. Their comprehensive curriculum and games can reach students of any age. Common Sense is a leader in advocating for appropriate digital laws and regulations. Common Sense (https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship)

Edutopia is great article/blog resource for teachers of educational technology. Edutopia is a product of The George Lucas Foundation and provides teachers with practical articles on various educational technology topics. Edutopia (https://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-citizenship-need-to-know-vicki-davis)