Journal 1: Passport to Digital Citizenship

Ribbel, Mike (December 2008-January 2009). Passport to Digital Citizenship. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36, Retrieved February 7, 2009, from www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/EducatorResources/YourLearningJourney/DigitalCitizenship/36414r.pdf


This article discussed the importance of teaching our students how to be responsible digital citizens. It reviewed the refreshed NETS standard focusing on social, ethical, legal, and human issues to digital citizenship. What is digital citizenship? Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. There are 9 elements of Digital Citizenship: Digital Access, Digital Commerce, Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, Digital Etiquette, Digital Law, Digital Rights ands Responsibilities, Digital Health and Wellness, and Digital Security. It is our job as teachers to facilitate this learning of digital citizenship not only in the classroom, but to assist our students in becoming responsible digital citizens at home and in society.

In order to address these nine elements, we need a process of implementation that we can use daily with our students. The four stage cycle of technology integration was created to help users internalize the use of technology. It is a cycle that is continuous because in education we are constantly learning. The first stage is Awareness-engaging students to become technologically literate, understanding what is appropriate and in-appropriate technology behavior; stage two Guided Practice-provide students with an opportunity to practice appropriate behavior under their teacher’s guidance, students should not be afraid to explore; stage three Modeling and Demonstration-teachers need to model appropriate technology behavior for school, home and society, students need to see teachers acting appropriately; stage four Feedback and Analysis-students and teachers discuss their use of technology and offer constructive criticism.

This article was very true. We are moving into a digital era where most people feel naked if they forget their blackberry or iphone for a day. Being that my husband can work from home has been both a blessing and a curse, well annoying at the least. On one hand, when I gave birth to our daughter 6 weeks early and I was in the hospital for over a week, it was nice that he was so digitally connected. He could work from my hospital bed, literally, and be home with me and our daughter during the weeks that followed. On the other hand, when we are having a family day or a relaxing weekend, it is really annoying when he is constantly receiving emails from work and calls from clients. Technology can be a catch-22.

Question #1: Should students and teachers be the only ones exposed to digital citizenship? No, parents and community members should all have access to resources about digital citizenship. There needs to be a home school connection with technology. To often there is a disconnect between what is happening in schools vs. what can be done at home.

Question #2: How can we talk about digital citizenship to the parents? There needs to be a common language in order to discuss digital citizenship. There needs to be clear expectations drawn out for both parents and students stating what students are to learn, know and follow.