It is an essential question to consider as a 21st Century Educator with the responsibility to teach digital natives how to filter through and competently utilize the technology of today. As Holly Clark states in her article "How To Tackle Digital Citizenship During the First 5 Days Of School," digital citizenship education is necessary for all users of technology regardless of age or grade level. As a teacher, I tend to dislike this faucet of technology education the most, as it is tedious and sometimes even unpleasant. However, it is probably the most important foundation students will acquire to effectively use technology in (as well as out of) the classroom.
Some of the major concerns in this time of cyber-space acclimation are bullying, trolling, freedom of speech, and online privacy. Clark reminds us that when allowing students to access virtual environments, students' must be extremely aware of their reputation as they "CONSTRUCT their own personal brand." Digital communication and etiquette are of vital importance and cannot be compromised, whether it be in a formally submitted assignment or a simple reply to a post. "Anytime you give people the freedom to speak, there's always the chance that they could abuse that ability," reveals Andy Sellars in the YouTube video "Bad Behavior Online: Bullying, Trolling & Free Speech." Additionally, Sellars proclaims that the key to digital citizenship is getting people to realize how their words affect not only themselves, but those around them as well. Be it in "real life" or in the virtual world.
The nine elements of digital citizenship, broken down into the concepts of Respect, Educate and Protect (REP), can help us as educators to organize and present the essential information on how to establish and maintain proper use of technology in the 21st Century. In addition, the idea of creating a solid and binding Acceptable Use Policy along with my students will help them to understand the terms and importance of proper technology use.
I firmly believe that as educators, it is our responsibility to our students not only to provide the means to access the wealth of information this age of technology allows, but also to prepare them for the repercussions that access may expose them to. By presenting the idea of digital citizenship as a means of prevention, much like an anti-drug campaign, the hope is that students will adhere to caution and heed our sound advice. It is not likely that we can protect all students at all times from the dangers the digital world holds. However, it is our duty to try.
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