Welcome to The World Of Digital Citizenship

The topic of digital citizen is currently a huge topic both in the classroom and in other environments, that is gaining momentum. In 2010 the Online Safety Working Group wrote a report and submitted it to Congress titled Youth Safety on a Living Internet..  There are multiple organizations, individuals,consumers and educators that continue to work and compose guidelines for digital citizenship.  Most users of the Internet do not realize, understand, implement or recognize  what is considered  being a good digital citizen. The norms of behavior, in regards to technology use, have nine identified categories that make up and encompasses the type of behavior and standards that are expected of technology users.The video below describes Digital citizenship and what it means.

The visual whitepaper, "Fostering Digital Citizenship," discusses why its important to have and utilize what is considered digital citizenship, and outlines the education that students need as they explore, learn and grow-up essentially online.  The paper also outlines three types of risks you might encounter in activities that you take part in online,  Content, Contact and Conduct.  Managing online behavior and reputation are important factors of  good digital citizenship.  Students in the 21st century share considerable more information online than most adults or parents do.  Sharing this information puts them at risk for exposing themselves to all kinds
of unethical behaviors from other online users. Most students believe that the benefits of sharing information online outweighs the risks, with the exception of disclosing their actual location.

It is important for all users of technology to protect their reputations.  As individuals and users of technology, we must learn to respect ourselves, protect ourselves, respect others, protect others, and  respect intellectual property. As adults, we are role models for students on what is considered good online etiquette.  When students see adults using technology inappropriately,  they assume its the norm.  This then leads students to inappropriate technology behavior on their part, ignoring the nine guidelines of digital citizenship and putting them at risk for breaking laws.

Digital citizenship has become a priority for schools and educators that see technology integration as a major teaching and learning strategy for preparing students to live and work in the 21st century,  We need to remember that are students are using technology on a daily basis, and we need to help foster what a good digital citizen is both at school and in other environments.

The following sites provided additional key information to understanding digital citizenship, that we are not just talking about protecting students, but we are giving them information for them to become healthy participates of  of the world of technology.

Why Teach Digital Citizenship
Policy background: Digital Citizenship (PDF)
Own Your Space-An Online Reputation That Counts: A Guide for Teens, supplemental chapter(PDF)