Digital Citizenship is a broad topic with many different branches, yet it is part of the NETS standards that we include it in our curriculum. How can we ensure we are touching on all of the facets of digital citizenship prior to introducing a digital technology project in the classroom? What makes a good digital citizen?
What is Digital Citizenship? There are many definitions out there that describe "what exactly digital is citizenship" but the one I like best is by the Department of Education. Digital Citizenship is the norms of behavior with regard to technology use.
To me, digital citizenship starts in the home, not at the school. Parents need to be responsible for their child's behavior online. I have looked at a lot of websites and blogs and the area that our students are having the hardest time being good digital citizens is in the area of Facebook. Many students do not know the true dangers of using Facebook (heck, I didn't realize all of the dangers). Here is a link to Cool Cat Teacher's Blog article about Facebook. It is call Facebook Friending 101.
There are many other facets to being a good digital citizen but again, we as teachers must be proactive and work with the parents of our students to ensure that they are aware that we are working online and that their sons and daughters need to be good digital citizens. Suzie Nestico writes a blog about "Why Teachers Need Digital Citizenship" and explains why it is imperative that YOU take responsibility for your own digital citizenship and be the role model for your students. Let them be led by example.
According to Annie Collier, "Digital citizenship isn't just about recognising and dealing with online hazards. It's about building safe spaces and communities, understanding how to manage personal information, and about being Internet savvy—using your online presence to grow and shape your world in a safe, creative way, and inspiring others to do the same."
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