Digital Citizenship

As we implement learning in the digital age, there is an increasing need to foster conversation about the responsibility that students, teachers, parents and education leaders have in the digital space.

• Digital citizenship establishes a set of norms and practices regarding appropriate and responsible technology use. Digital citizenship requires a whole-community approach to thinking critically, behaving safely, and participating responsibly online. – Ed Tech Developer’s Guide
• “Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use.” – Digital Citizenship, Using Technology Appropriately
• Nearly all of ISTE Standards address digital citizenship as one of the aspects of education technology that all members of a school or district should support. Essentially, the standards focus on the safe, legal and ethical use of technology in schools. – ISTE Standards
• Digital Citizen: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical. 2016 ISTE Standards for Students

Key Elements of Digital Citizenship

• Digital access: Advocating for equal digital rights and access is where digital citizenship starts.
• Digital etiquette: Rules and policies aren’t enough — we need to teach everyone about appropriate conduct online.
• Digital law: It’s critical that users understand it’s a crime to steal or damage another’s digital work, identity or property.
• Digital communication: With so many communication options available, users need to learn how to make appropriate decisions.
• Digital literacy: We need to teach students how to learn in a digital society.
• Digital commerce: As users make more purchases online, they must understand how to be effective consumers in a digital economy.
• Digital rights and responsibilities: We must inform people of their basic digital rights to privacy, freedom of speech, etc.
• Digital safety and security: Digital citizens need to know how to protect their information from outside forces that might cause harm.
• Digital health and wellness: From physical issues, such as repetitive stress syndrome, to psychological issues, such as internet addiction, users should understand the health risks of technology.

Facilitator Guide

The Facilitator Guide – Digital Citizenship provides education leaders with the information and resources they need to conduct a professional learning session around digital citizenship. Participants will:

• Learn more about digital citizenship
• Discover best practices from peers
• Discuss how your school/district is addressing digital citizenship
• Explore resources used by other schools/districts
• Develop and maintain relationships with other district and state leaders

• Facilitator Guide – Digital Citizenship Slides