Digital Citizenship

“It’s not an understatement to say that the digital world has changed how people behave and function as citizens of the ‘real’ world. Users live, work and interact not only in the physical world, but in a digital, virtual world as well. Educators must prepare students to live in a world without physical boundaries and help them learn how to work with others, virtual or otherwise. ‘Citizenship’ in this sense takes on a new meaning beyond our normal understanding of geographical nations, states, and communities. Indeed, this new citizenship is global in nature. American children will have to learn how to work with technology users from India, China, Russia and around the world. A common framework, such as digital citizenship, provides everyone with a starting point for understanding each other” (Ribble). F

As a teacher it will be important for me to look at technology not as toys and gadgets, but as tools that can further improve education. Technology is no longer a “bonus” in education but a necessary medium in our world today. Teaching technology with technology will help prepare my students to be better digital citizens (since they are already digital citizens whether they realize it or not). 

My goal in regard to this topic of digital citizenship is to always stay on top of the most recent and current technological advances. There are always newer and better ways to use technology and it will be important for me to know these things if I’m going to help my students be successful digital citizens. Students should feel empowered and confident when using technology in my classroom. I want the use of technology to actually be helpful and not a burden. 

Ribble M. Digital Citizenship In Schools [e-book]. Eugene, Or. : International Society for Technology in Education, [2011]; 2011. Available from: UVU Library Books and Media, Ipswich, MA. Accessed June 5, 2018.