Digital Citizenship: Elements, Lessons, And Importance - PowerSchool

As devices like tablets and laptops have become ubiquitous in many districts, this year’s back-to-school season is an excellent time to educate students about (or remind them of) the digital world around them and how to be good digital citizens.

What is digital citizenship?

Digital citizenship describes how we should act when using digital tools and interacting with others online to use technology in an appropriate, responsible, and empowered way. For schools and teachers, it also includes what should be taught to help the next generation be better stewards of technology.

Why is digital citizenship important?

To help students make the best choices online, we must guide them on using technology appropriately and being aware of their digital footprint. Students now have access to technology and online learning resources as early as elementary school. In some cases, schools even assign devices to students for use at home and school.

Additionally, social media sites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok have skyrocketed. Today, it’s standard for employers, colleges, and other organizations to check social media sites to learn more about the applicant during the interview process. Teaching students the dos and don’ts of posting content, sharing information, and interacting with others online is beneficial for their future.

9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

As technology becomes more integrated into learning and instruction, it is essential to help students build positive digital experiences and become good digital citizens. To start, here are the 9 elements of digital citizenship that teachers, students, and administrators alike need to know:

1. Digital access refers to the amount and equity of access students have to technology. Not every student has a personal device or internet at home, which is a reality that educators should be aware of as technology use becomes standard in the classroom.
2. Digital commerce is the buying and selling of items online. It is necessary to understand the tools and safeguards in place when exchanging in the digital space, whether it is actual items or intellectual property.
3. Digital communication and collaboration refer to sharing information, expressing thoughts, and managing relationships online.
4. Digital etiquette covers the rules of conduct when interacting in the digital world. Establishing standards and expectations help students be more aware of themselves and others online.
5. Digital fluency or literacy refers to the process of understanding technology, including thinking critically about content, discerning fact from fiction, and making good media consumption choices.
6. Digital health and welfare describe the physical and psychological implications of technology. This element includes relevant topics like screen time and cyberbullying.
7. Digital law refers to the structures that protect users from harm when using technology.
8. Digital rights and responsibilities refer to the freedoms that people have in the digital world and the responsibilities that come with them.
9. Digital security and privacy consist of the precautions and procedures that can prevent security breaches and protect personal information.

Digital Citizenship for Students

One of the top priorities of digital citizenship for students is protecting themselves online and maintaining positive digital relationships. The internet is a great place to learn new concepts, interact with other users, and follow their favorite celebrities. However, students need to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks online, including cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying uses technology to share, send, or post negative, harmful, or false content about someone else through text messages, social media, or online apps. Cyberbullying can include sharing someone else’s personal or private information, leading to humiliation or embarrassment. Like bullying, cyberbullying can be a serious issue in schools and can cross the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

“THINK” is a great acronym for students to use when exercising digital citizenship. Before they post something online, whether it is information, a photo, or content of any kind, they should ask themselves if it is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. If the answer to any of those questions is no, that’s an indicator that students should not post or share the information. This acronym helps remind students to make wise choices in what they share with the digital world.

Digital Citizenship for Teachers and Parents

Like students, teachers also should be educated on what digital citizenship is, why it is important, and how to address it with students and parents. Incorporating digital citizenship into professional development is a great way to ensure educators are knowledgeable about this topic.

Parents aren’t always equipped with the tools to teach their students how to be good stewards of the digital world, so teachers have the opportunity to help parents learn more about digital citizenship and how to guide their students at home. This is also a great way to get families on board with teaching digital citizenship to students. When parents are actively involved in their student’s progress, assignments, and activities, they can significantly impact their child’s learning and educational experience.

Digital Citizenship Lessons

Teachers can implement simple daily lessons on interacting appropriately with technology that doesn’t take up much class time. Integrating technology in the classroom is an excellent way to get students to engage with the digital world online. A few basic skills that are helpful for students to understand include how to:

• Create and save strong passwords
• Address cyberbullying
• Determine if a website is safe to visit
• Identify a phishing email
• Protect from identity theft
• Use a search engine most effectively
• Avoid plagiarism

Incorporating digital citizenship in the classroom could also involve using a learning management system (LMS) to set up a space where students can practice various digital skills. An LMS is a handy tool to have in schools to build knowledge of technology and digital citizenship.

Gamification can also be a helpful way to teach digital citizenship. Teachers can use fun tech tools to help accomplish learning tasks while students enjoy the game-based medium. Minecraft is a beloved video game for all different age groups, even adults. Minecraft: Education Edition is now available for classroom use.

As many students continue to learn remotely—at least part time—empowering them to have secure and positive engagement with the digital world is becoming more important than ever. With the right tools, teachers and administrators can take this opportunity to educate K-12 students on how to utilize digital resources safely, responsibly, and respectfully.