Digital Citizenship is working, communicating, and participating in the digital environment through the use of computers or other devices.
Internet Netiquette are the rules governing our conduct when using the internet.
Internet Netiquette are the rules governing our conduct when using the internet.
Tips for today’s Digital Citizens
We are citizens of our town, our state, our country. Each of these entities has its own set of rules, written and unwritten. Some are in the law books and enforced by public officials, others are learned through our association with family and friends. We have another citizenship – a digital citizenship. This citizenship carries rights and responsiblilities just as our physical citizenship. There ar e rules, some are covered by written law and some are not. Just what are these digital rules and how does one find them. In many ways they follow the same rules as our physical life. Matt Villano (2008) puts it this way, “Obey the law, have respect for others, act civilly and sensibly (para.1).”
The first responsibility is to know your hardware and software. Know how to properly operate your computer, cell phone, camera, or other devices. Second, know how programs, apps, and websites operate. Knowledge and understanding are the first steps to appropriate actions. Gaining knowledge will prevent unintended actions because “I didn’t know it would do that.”
Having respect for others goes a long way in determining appropriate behavior. Be honest in your actions and comments, for example, putting up a false identity on Facebook and pretending to be someone you are not. Treat others in the same way you do in a face-to-face situation. Be polite. Be honest. Keep private matters private. Think about what you have written before you hit the “submit” button. If you are angry, save it overnight and think about it again.
Cyberbullying shows lack of respect for others. If it occurs to you, find someone to talk to. You don’t have to deal with it by yourself.
Respect for others also includes respecting Intellectural Property. There is a seemingly endless stream of information, images, music, etc on the internet. Most of it belongs to someone. Learn which are available for use by anyone. Check out Creative Commons for material that is available for use to all. Just as you ask to borrow a person cell phone or bicycle, asking to use someone’s music, photo, or information is the appropriate thing to do. Remember, always give credit when you use someone else’s material. It is the right thing to do. Take advice from Warren Arbogast, founder and president of Boulder Management Group. " Treat others as you want to be treated," he says. "If something isn't yours, don't take it. If you aren't sure, err on the side of caution." (Villano, 2008)
Digital Citizenship is not a right that is handed to one, it comes with responsibilities that govern our words and actions.
Reference List
Ribble, Mike S., and Bailey, Gerald D. (2006). Digital citizenship at all grade levels. Learning & Leading with Technology (33.6), 26+. Retrieved from: http://find.galegroup.com.lesley.ezproxy.blackboard.com/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&docId=A143526669&source=gale&srcprod=AONE&userGroupName=les_main&version=1.0
Villano, Matt. (2008). Text unto others ... as you would have them text unto you: schools can teach basic principles of good citizenship to help shape students' behavior in the virtual world. T H E Journal [Technological Horizons In Education] (35.9) 46+. Retrieved from : http://find.galegroup.com.lesley.ezproxy.blackboard.com/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&docId=A187765365&source=gale&srcprod=AONE&userGroupName=les_main&version=1.0
Ribble, Mike S., and Bailey, Gerald D. (2005). Developing ethical direction. Learning & Leading with Technology (32.7), 36+. Retrieved from: http://find.galegroup.com.lesley.ezproxy.blackboard.com/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&docId=A131232118&source=gale&srcprod=AONE&userGroupName=les_main&version=1.0
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