Digital Citizenship – 21 techie tchr topics | I blog to share and to learn

What is digital citizenship and is it really necessary?

Digital Citizenship is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Too often we misuse and abuse technology because we are not sure what to do. We need to show them how to properly manage and use digital or commercial content — whether their own or others’; whether music, movies, art, software, or other creative material; and whether free, licensed, purchased, or subscribed.

A curriculum in Digital Citizenship needs to focus on a variety of topics.

Digital Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure need to be taught.
Digital Communication: electronic exchange of information needs tp be monitored.
Digital Literacy: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.
Digital Access: full electronic participation in society is inevitable so users need to be prepared.
Digital Commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods needs to be done safely.
Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds must be present
Digital Rights & Responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world.
Digital Health & Wellness: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.
Digital Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety.

Creative rights and the materials they protect are an important part of our culture. It’s crucial that students understand the options for managing content and respect the wishes of others regarding creative content. Students interact online with movies, software, images, music, and other digital content daily.

Microsoft has sponsored this curriculum to “create an awareness of the rights connected with creative content. Because only through education can students gain an understanding of the relevance of and a personal respect for creative rights and grow to become good digital citizens.” They provide several scenarios for the students to work through demonstrating the meaning and need for creative content/common curriculum training. I have looked at this project but I have not used it so far. I will spend this summer preparing myself so that I can use these activities.