Carolina Young

&
Richard Velazquez
CUIN 3313-Individualized Final Project- Digital Citizenship

Today, technology forms a huge part of our everyday learning and development, but not often do

we sit back and ask what our responsibilities as digital citizens are. In the present workplace and

learning settings, the evolution in the resources we have to create a method of learning comes

with the responsibility of teaching some guidelines to stay safe, productive, and responsible

while using technology. After much research I have come up with my top ten list for a safe and

healthy training environment while using technology.

1. Teach the skills- based on the article “Digital Citizenship: Businesses Can Learn from K-

12 Educators” (Afshar, 2013) organizations are now promoting technology use to help

them get ahead of the line out in the global business markets. If your role is of an

educator, teach trainees and students the skills necessary to practice fair use and

responsible ways to use technologies. The article states that “Educators have faced a

challenge similar to businesses regarding the use of technology and the Internet.

Unfettered student access can bring major benefits by dramatically enhancing learning

and creativity. But it comes at the risk of compromised privacy, copyright infringement,

cyber bullying, plagiarism, and exposure to inappropriate content. The concept of Digital

Citizenship was created to address this situation.” The better educated or “digitally

fluent,” students are, the more likely they are to make good decisions online, like

supporting others instead of making negative comments. Digital literacy includes the

discussion of media literacy and the ability to discern good information from poor, such

as “fake news” from real news.

2. Digital Law- can be defined as the legal rights and restrictions governing technology use.

In today's world, many people are not responsible digital citizens. Violations may include
Carolina Young
&
Richard Velazquez
illegal file sharing sites, pirating software, creating viruses, hacking into systems or

networks, stealing someone’s identity, and copyright infringement. In order to create a

functioning 21st century global society with responsible digital citizens, students need to

be taught and informed of these violations.

3. Digital Access- is about the equitable distribution of technology and online resources.

Teachers and administrators need to be aware of their community and who may or may

not have access, not only in school but at home as well. Educators need to provide

options for lessons and data collection such as free access in the community or provide

resources for the home.

4. Digital Security and Privacy- refers to the electronic precautions to guarantee safety.

Viruses, worms and other bots can be passed along from one system to another just like

an illness. When using devices in school or at home, understanding and being aware of

attacks and how to prevent them are important skills for today and into the future.

Whether emailing, chatting or using a social networking tool such as Twitter or

Facebook, it is very important to not reveal personal information online.

5. Responsibility- Teaching digital citizenship is all about helping students and trainees to

think beyond themselves and recognize the ripple effects of their actions. Personal

responsibility is important but understanding their responsibilities to others can help them

unlock new ways to learn and connect with their communities -- and even change those

communities for the better. This area of Digital Citizenship is about helping students

understand that when they are provided opportunities, such as the access to the Internet

and use of online products, they need to be diligent in helping others as well, such as
Carolina Young
&
Richard Velazquez
informing adults of potential problems. Educators must help students understand that

protecting others both online and in the real world are essential skills to have.

6. Question- You cannot believe everything you read or see online. Publishing online is

easier than ever so there is a lot of inaccurate or biased information out there. When you

come across information, question who wrote the message and why it was created.

7. Cyberbullying- know what cyberbullying is and tell someone if you think it’s happening

to you or others. Like any bullying, cyberbullying often occurs between people that know

each other—students at a school, members of a sporting club, people from the same

social circle, ‘friends of a friend’.

8. Digital Health and Welfare- refers to the physical and psychological well-being in a

digital world. Technology provides many opportunities and enjoyment but knowing how

to segment use with the needs of we and others is key to a healthy, balanced life. Finding

and maintaining a healthy cyberbalance is a challenge in a connected culture where

virtually we can go anywhere, see anyone, and do anything at the touch of a screen.

Technology does not have to distract us. Device settings, reminders and apps can help us

enhance our relationships, improve our health and wellbeing, and be more productive.

9. Social Media and Digital Footprint- Social media can be a place to connect, learn, and,

most of all, share. But how much do kids know about what they're sharing -- and not just

about themselves but each other? Help students think critically about their digital

footprints on social media.

10. Unplug- Life is all about balance. It’s not good for our health and wellbeing to be online

all the time. Balance screen time with green time. Get outdoors, move, play, and interact

face-to-face.
Carolina Young
&
Richard Velazquez
References

Stark, K. (n.d.). Digital Law. Retrieved from http://digitalhawks.weebly.com/digital-law.html

Afshar, Vala. “Digital Citizenship: Businesses Can Learn From K-12 Educators.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 13
Apr. 2013, www.huffpost.com/entry/digital-citizenship-busin_b_2654628.

“Nine Elements.” Digital Citizenship, www.digitalcitizenship.net/nine-elements.html.

“Rings of Responsibility.” Common Sense Education, 10 May 2019,

www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/rings-of-responsibility.

“Teaching Digital Citizenship: 10 Internet Safety Tips For Students (With Posters).” Kathleen Morris |
Primary Tech | Resources to Help Teachers with Technology in the Classroom, 8 Apr. 2019,
www.kathleenamorris.com/2019/03/12/internet-safety/.

“Social Media and Digital Footprints: Our Responsibilities.” Common Sense Education, 10 May 2019,
www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/social-media-and-digital-footprints-our-
responsibilities.