Week 3 - Digital Citizenship

Instructional Technology

August 2, 2022

What is digital citizenship and how do we cultivate responsible digital citizens with pluralistic perspectives who can effectively integrate into a global community and workforce?

After exploring the information from the ISTE website, ‘Digital Citizenship’ can be defined as an individual's personal responsibility and commitment when engaging in or dispensing any digital content when utilizing technology and its various platforms in a safe and appropriate manner. At the risk of being redundant, and as I have said before, the practice of ‘digital citizenship’ was not part of my educational career, as technology did not exist. Let’s face facts; whether you like it or not, technology is the way of the future and it will continue to develop and grow exponentially, as it affects every facet of our lives. That being said, with the extensive use of technology in education, it’s no wonder that some form of protocol is needed to govern its use.

In regards to digital citizenship and how it relates to ISTE’s five competencies, being a digital citizen that is ‘inclusive, informed, engaged, balanced, and alert’, depends on many factors. I believe that we need to teach students at the elementary level and across the board, how to utilize and respect technology in a way that will ultimately reflect and put forth a positive persona. I believe students need to be taught how to interact on social media in a considerate, empathetic way and with a sense of awareness. This practice will transfer into creating more socially and emotionally adept adults. Furthermore, as we continue to evolve into a more globalized environment, having empathy will not only teach students to accept and understand people who are different, but to actually ‘celebrate’ people from other cultures and backgrounds. These attributes will equip them with how to forge respectful, strong, and long-lasting relationships and connections in the future as they go forward.

Furthermore, teaching about digital citizenship will also help students learn how to determine if information is factual or fictional early on. In addition, they will provide students with foresight and critical thinking skills in deciding what is appropriate to put forth into the ‘digital universe’ in an appropriate manner. Being well versed in how to navigate, decipher, and assess digital information in an effective manner will ultimately contribute to their success in the workplace one day. I believe the skills discussed in this blog are necessary in creating strong ‘Digital Citizens’. Furthermore, they will be especially important as children grow and transition from being students into adults and eventually enter the workforce, as well as becoming successful individuals in any and all future endeavors.