Digital Citizenship

As an art teacher, and an educator, it is my responsibility to teach students in my class how to learn and use technology in a proper manner. The term digital citizenship is a new term to the education system. Teachers and administrators are learning that students need to be taught how to act appropriately when using technology. This means when they are not only on computers, but cell phones and other technological devices. 

What is digital citizenship? My personal feeling is that digital citizenship occurs the minute you begin using a computer to send messages, emails, use Facebook, Twitter or when using other technology. Being a citizen means doing good things for the community or other people. It also means being respectful to others. Digital citizenship then means treating others the way you would want to be treated. Proper etiquette, like saying please and thank you, how to send emails, cell phone usage, and protecting their security while online are important tools students need to know now.

A concept called REP (Respect, Educate and Protect) is as simple as the Golden Rule. Like the Golden Rule, teaching students how to be respectful of themselves and others, how to educate themselves and connect with others, and how to protect themselves and others is the goal. Another important  set of information  for students to learn are the Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship. A short explanation of each is below. In regards to how everyone uses technology, the themes state that everyone should have access to:

1) electronic access to participate in society 
2) Internet shopping and/or selling of goods
3) to send information electronically
4) learn how to use technology
5) learn how to use technology using proper etiquette
6) be responsible for their action (ethics) online
7) express freedom of speech
8) be taught the dangers of using technology
9) guarding their private and personal information

How does this affect my students, me, and the society we live in? Learning these nine themes can mean we can all live as the Golden Rule teaches: by my actions, I am demonstrating how I want to be known and respected as a person in society. If you do the same, we will get a long just fine.  REP--three words that are very powerful; just like the Golden Rule.