Beginning my graduate degree with a class called "Digitally Mediated Teaching & Learning" was a bit scary! I'm not the most tech savvy person, but I have been pleasantly surprised by this course. The most interesting thing that we have discussed and learned about so far in this course is the idea of digital citizenship. Digital citizenship has been defined by Terry Heick in Ribble, M. (2017) Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship. He defines digital citizenship as “the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a digital community" (Heick, 2017).
Right before beginning my graduate program, I started rebranding my professional art education platforms. I had already been thinking frequently about my digital presence and how I choose to portray myself. I created an Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TeacherPayTeacher, Facebook, and website all dedicated to sharing my professional knowledge and self. Of course, creating a professional presence is something that should be very well thought out and presented, but what else is digital citizenship about?
In Ribble, M. (2017) Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship, these elements of digital citizenship are broken down for us. Some of these concepts are things that have crossed my mind before, but they are all elements that we should keep in our minds as digital citizens. Let's take a look at what is involved in being a digital citizen.
1. Digital Access - Many can take their access to technology for granted. Even though we live in such a digital era, "standard" technology and internet access is not equally available to everyone. Digital tools can also be a great tool for differently abled citizens. I currently have a student that is non-verbal, but she is able to use a special tablet and software that allows her to use her eyes to communicate her needs. How does this affect those with less access? Are their voices being heard in the digital community? How can we accommodate everyone in a time where technology is basically essential? How does this affect education in lower funded schools and facilities? How can technology help those with disabilities?
2. Digital Commerce – According to statista.com "74.3 percent of the American population purchased goods online" in 2021. With online shopping being so popular, it is important for people buying and selling items to be aware of all of the legalities and ethics of this practice. If you are selling items, are they free of copyright infringement? If you are buying items, are they ethically created and sourced? How important is that to you as a buyer?
3. Digital Communication – There are seemingly endless amounts of social media and communicating tools on the internet. Try to think of a single person you know without an email account. I can't think of a single one! Parents are now even grabbing email addresses for their children when they are very young to either save the address name, or to start a digital communication "time capsule" to give to them when they are older. The digital world opens up so many opportunities to communicate with people all over the world, but how we use these tools is very important. Are you communicating respectfully? Are you able to communicate your thoughts and emotions effectively? If you are a parent, are you making sure your children are safe in their digital communications?
4. Digital Literacy – We all know how fast technology is changing. It can be hard to keep up with the newest technology and tools. Anyone participating in the digital world needs to be aware of the fact that things change fast and need to be willing to adapt. How the technology is meant to be used, how it may change, and the limitations of it are important to learn and understand as a user. As stated by Ribble, M. (2017) "Much like students in the twentieth century were taught library skills-research, how to process and organize information, citing information properly, deciphering information for authenticity, and presenting information in different formats and styles, so must digital citizens be taught digital literacy skills." How do you know a source is reliable? What are you looking for in the sites that you use?
5. Digital Etiquette – Appropriate conduct online is very important. Nothing should ever be said online that you would never say out loud in a crowded room. People sometimes think that they are able to hide behind their computer screens and say unkind things about or towards others. Luckily, more and more people are being held accountable for this way of thinking. We are not as digitally anonymous as we may have once been and people are regularly paying real life consequences for things that they have done online. How do you treat others online?
If you are an educator looking for a video about digital etiquette to share with your students, check out the video below!
6. Digital Law – Just like in the physical world, taking something from another virtually is illegal. Stealing any part of someone's identity, work, or property online is a crime. There are many different types of copyright including Creative Commons. Creative Commons includes OERs (Open Educational Resources) which can be shared and edited freely as long as credit is given to the original creator. These OERs are one of the amazing benefits of the internet. Being able to respectfully collaborate on educational resources and share our strengths as educators is what makes the internet such a valuable resource. What is your favorite OER? Have you been a victim of virtual theft?
7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities – Ribble, M. (2017)"Online community members have the right to free speech and communication, but these rights must not interfere with the rights of others." As digital citizens, we are responsible for the way we communicate and how we treat others in the digital world. We need to be respectful of people's rights and feelings. Do you show respect to others in the digital world? How do we keep others in mind when we post something online?
8. Digital Health and Wellness – Although we may not think of it daily, there are physical and emotional effects of using technology. People's mental health can take a toll from being too frequently wrapped up in the digital world. Consumers need to understand the side effects of such technology and devices in order to make responsible choices in their use of technology. How has digital use effected your mental health? Has it effected you physically?
9. Digital Security – Digital citizens need to monitor and protect themselves at all times while participating in the digital world. There are always people looking to exploit vulnerable individuals, sites, and companies. Digital users need to understand how their personal information and data is being used by the sites that they choose to spend time on. How do you protect yourself online? Do you use a VPN or other security to protect yourself?
Now that we know the elements of digital citizenship, we need to think about how we as individuals will choose to act and present ourselves digitally. I personally always strive to be a professional and positive presence in the physical world as well as the digital world. My goal for myself professionally is to share my knowledge of art education. I remember starting my teaching career and being so overwhelmed on where to even begin. There is so much for young teachers to learn, and I am still learning myself. Over my six years in the field I have developed organization strategies, lesson plans, and a teaching style that have made my job a streamlined and effective process. If I am able to share some of my experiences and tips with other educators and help them in any way, I will feel fulfilled.
In my personal digital identity I want to be known as someone who is kind, positive, and can make a pretty decent joke. I believe that negativity is like a disease. It eats away at the person hosting it and can infect those around them. I want to be someone who stands up for others, encourages others, and does not give in to the negativity that seems to be everywhere online. So, what kind of digital citizen will you be?
Resources:
Ribble, M. (2017). Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship.
Digital Citizenship: Using Technology Appropriately.
Statista Research Department (2022). Digital buyer penetration in the United States 2017-2025
Statista.com
University of Derby (2018). Explaining digital communication, collaboration and participation
University of Derby - YouTube
Lodge, A. (2019). POURing Over Your Website: An Introduction to Digital Accessibility
TEDxWinnipeg - YouTube
Simply Coding (2021). What is eCommerce?
Simply Coding - YouTube
Deakin Library (2018). What is digital literacy?
Deakin Library - YouTube
Patterson, S. & Little, K. (2015). Digital Citizenship Internet Rules of Etiquette
LUSD LEARNS - YouTube
Linnar, D. (2022). The Future of Law in a Digital World - Northwestern Law
GetSmarter - YouTube
Chomba Kinywa, P. (2021). Digital Rights: Why we deserve a free and fair internet
TEDxLusakaStudio - YouTube
Citrix (2020). What is digital wellness and why is it important?
Citrix - YouTube
Baloo, J. (2017). Cybersecurity every day
TEDxRotterdam - YouTube
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