Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship can be defined as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.
1. Digital Access: full electronic participation in society.
Technology users need to be aware that not everyone has the same
opportunities when it comes to technology. Working toward equal digital
rights and supporting electronic access is the starting point of
Digital Citizenship. Digital exclusion makes it difficult to grow as a
society increasingly using these tools. Helping to provide and expand
access to technology should be goal of all digital citizens. Users need
to keep in mind that there are some that may have limited access, so
other resources may need to be provided. To become productive citizens,
we need to be committed to make sure that no one is denied digital
access.
2. Digital Commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods.
Technology users need to understand that a large share of market economy
is being done electronically. Legitimate and legal exchanges are
occurring, but the buyer or seller needs to be aware of the issues
associated with it. The mainstream availability of Internet purchases of
toys, clothing, cars, food, etc. has become commonplace to many users.
At the same time, an equal amount of goods and services which are in
conflict with the laws or morals of some countries are surfacing (which
might include activities such as illegal downloading, pornography, and
gambling). Users need to learn about how to be effective consumers in a
new digital economy.
3. Digital Communication: electronic exchange of information.
One of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a
person’s ability to communicate with other people. In the 19th century,
forms of communication were limited. In the 21st century, communication
options have exploded to offer a wide variety of choices (e.g., e-mail,
cellular phones, instant messaging). The expanding digital
communication options have changed everything because people are able to
keep in constant communication with anyone else. Now everyone has the
opportunity to communicate and collaborate with anyone from anywhere and
anytime. Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make
appropriate decisions when faced with so many different digital
communication options.
4. Digital Literacy: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.
While schools have made great progress in the area of technology
infusion, much remains to be done. A renewed focus must be made on what
technologies must be taught as well as how it should be used. New
technologies are finding their way into the work place that are not
being used in schools (e.g., Videoconferencing, online sharing spaces
such as wikis). In addition, workers in many different occupations need
immediate information (just-in-time information). This process requires
sophisticated searching and processing skills (i.e., information
literacy). Learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society. In
other words, learners must be taught to learn anything, anytime,
anywhere. Business, military, and medicine are excellent examples of
how technology is being used differently in the 21st century. As new
technologies emerge, learners need to learn how to use that technology
quickly and appropriately. Digital Citizenship involves educating people
in a new way— these individuals need a high degree of information
literacy skills.
5. Digital Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure.
Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing
problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. We recognize
inappropriate behavior when we see it, but before people use technology
they do not learn digital etiquette (i.e., appropriate conduct). Many
people feel uncomfortable talking to others about their digital
etiquette. Often rules and regulations are created or the technology is
simply banned to stop inappropriate use. It is not enough to create
rules and policy, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital
citizens in this new society.
6. Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
Digital law deals with the ethics of technology within a society.
Unethical use manifests itself in form of theft and/or crime. Ethical
use manifests itself in the form of abiding by the laws of society.
Users need to understand that stealing or causing damage to other
people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. There are
certain rules of society that users need to be aware in a ethical
society. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online. Hacking
into others information, downloading illegal music, plagiarizing,
creating destructive worms, viruses or creating Trojan Horses, sending
spam, or stealing anyone’s identify or property is unethical.
7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world.
Just as in the American Constitution where there is a Bill of
Rights, there is a basic set of rights extended to every digital
citizen. Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc.
Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and understood in the
digital world. With these rights also come responsibilities as well.
Users must help define how the technology is to be used in an
appropriate manner. In a digital society these two areas must work
together for everyone to be productive.
8. Digital Health & Wellness: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.
Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practices
are issues that need to be addressed in a new technological world.
Beyond the physical issues are those of the psychological issues that
are becoming more prevalent such as Internet addiction. Users need to
be taught that there are inherent dangers of technology. Digital
Citizenship includes a culture where technology users are taught how to
protect themselves through education and training.
9. Digital Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety.
In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt
other people. The same is true for the digital community. It is not
enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In
our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses
to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the
digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and
surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must
protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption
or harm.
