Digital Citizenship Education= the Key to Leaving a Positive Digital Footprint on the World

             In the 21^st century the neighborhoods our children once navigated on foot have evolved to now include virtual avenues housing individuals from all walks of life and cultures. The introduction of technology has in turn altered the way our students speak, share, and interact with those close to them, and those they may never meet in their lifetime.  Therefore, learning how to become respectful digital citizens in this virtual world becomes a vital skill our students must master to assure that the footprints they leave in their travels are safe and positive ones.

            It is well known fact that with each passing year, younger and younger students are gaining access to the Internet through their smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems.  In fact in the last month alone, I have lost count to the amount of times I have witnessed preschool age children in stores and restaurants plugged into their handheld devices, navigating between apps and websites like a pro, or been privy to watching young elementary age students taking and posting selfies with reckless abandonment.   Therefore, I believe that when it comes to introducing the concept of digital citizenship to students in the 21st century, sooner is better than later.

But whose responsibility is it to teach safe and ethical digital behavior to today’s students? Research has shown that today’s “learners are closely surrounded by those who influence their learning most; other students and peers, parents, family members, and teachers” (Trilling and Fadel, 2009).  As such when it comes to digital citizenship and assuring that today’s students grow up to become tomorrow’s contributing, respectful members of a society that has yet to be fully envisioned, the old adage still rains true; it will take a village.

            Therefore, the most important thing that we as educators, and Technology Integration Specialists can do to influence the actions of our student’s long term is to instill healthy online habits early by effectively modeling respectful use of technology into their daily learning process.  To accomplish this we will need to design a series of specific learning activities that will not only teach students how to properly communicate and share ideas with each other online, but also engage them in lessons on how to analyze, evaluate, and give proper credit to materials, images, and videos they find online to support their understanding of topics.  Equally important we as educators need to be honest with them about all facets of technology and not sugar coat the realities that come with navigating the World Wide Web.  Similar to a coin the Internet has two sides, and with all the benefits that technology has to offer, it also comes with an equal number of dangers.  Therefore, it falls on our shoulders to empower our 21st century students with the knowledge and tools necessary to allow them to make smart choices when they are online, while fully understanding the long-term consequences for themselves and others that could occur if they loose focus and slip up.

              In my school digital citizenship training begins in second grade, with introductory discussions about cyber bullying and basic lessons on finding and giving credit to the authors of online reference material and photos online. The digital citizenship training is ramped up to a higher level once students enter third and fourth grade, when they are enrolled in an online course called “ Digital Passport” produced by Common Sense Media.  This free program takes students through five weeks of in depth online and in class exercises that covers the topics of: cyber-bullying, proper cell phone use, Internet searches, copyright law, and digital citizenship.   For my elementary students their digital citizenship education concluding in fifth grade with students participating in an ambassadors program, in which they spread the message of what it means to be a respectful online citizens by creating posters, presentations, and skits that they share and act out to the Kindergarten and grade one students at the school.

What is important to remember is that teaching students about digital citizenship is not a one-time topic of discussion that only occurs at school but rather a complex multi-leveled subject requiring continuous time and attention in the classroom and at home. As mentioned before, it takes a village to raise a digitally responsible child, and as such an important key to this equation falls on the shoulders of the parents and guardians of our students.  Many of the adults in our students lives, are driven by what they have learned about technology through their personal experiences, online, and in the media, which we know from experience often leans more to highlighting the hazards that can happen from its use versus the benefits. Therefore, it is our responsible as teachers and leaders in our community to go the extra mile to educate the families of our students about technology, digital citizenship, and how to properly use the devices they have chosen to outfit their children with as a tool for learning, ensuring that the message students receive is a consistent positive one.

When it comes to using digital technology in my life, and reflecting upon the digital path I have walked over the last decade, I will admit the journey to get to where I am now has not been void of hurdles and hiccups. Mostly due to the fact that in the era in which I grew up there was no one really there to guide or educate me about technology.  Therefore, in moving forward as an educator of technology I have made it my mission to match my actions online to that of the message I send out in the real world to my students.  As such when it comes to interacting and sharing information online I pledge to act responsibly, and leave footprints in the virtual world that are both positive and will promote the educational benefits that the use of technology can offer now and long into the future.

References

Common Sense Media. (2013). Digital passport [Online Application]. Retrieved February 21, 2015 from: https://www.digitalpassport.org/educator-registration

Trilling B. & Fadel C. (2009). 21st century skills, learning for life in our times. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass