Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizen is a person who actively utilizes the information technology for any purpose. With the growing penetration of the digital world into our lives, it is necessary for elders to pay attention to the way this technology is being used by our students, kids and general technology users.
The concept of Responsible Citizenship has a vast history and just like that, to cater to our current needs, the concept of digital citizenship came into existence. It is the foremost duty of teachers/parents/leaders to educate kids about the responsibility they have to practice in order to use the internet, so that they don’t end up being wasted by the technology.
Respect, Educate & Protect:
The elements of the digital citizenship could only be effectively met if the technology user follows this simple rule:
We must RESPECT others on the digital world, we must strive to EDUCATE them and create platforms for learning and we must PROTECT: we must see the responsibility we have towards ourselves and others (health and wealth issues, legal issues).
If we are able to instill this sense into the technology users, a lot many issues of the digital world could be avoided. Elements required being a better citizen:
Access:
We must consider the fact that not everyone has the same sources available as you, thus, not everyone has similar access to the digital world. So we must respect the fact and help others.
WE MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO WHAT WE ACCESS WHILE ONLINE, WE SHOULD AVOID INAPPROPRIATE WEBSITES AND CONTENT.
Digital Commerce:
The threat of security has been a major issue in the past years across the web. Online buying is a major trend these days, but it is our responsibility to learn about the issues regarding it, and avoid such exchanges of goods or services that are against the ethical or legal values of a country. This could include downloading pirated movies, pornography etc.
Electronic Exchange of Information:
With the penetration of the communication platforms across the digital arena, we have confused people how to be effective communicators and what boundaries they should follow. The need to stay connected is huge, but it is our duty to be sensitive to others’ priorities. We must not invade the privacy of others.
Digital Literacy:
The literary world has adopted the digital techniques of learning yet is unaware of the multiple benefits and uses of technology. They need to focus on the platform and make the students and leaders comfortable with technology so that they can gain maximum benefit. They must create awareness and introduce workshops to learn how to learn anywhere, anytime digitally.
STUDENTS MUST USE THEIR PERSONAL DEVICES ONLY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE WHILE ON THE CAMPUS.
Digital Ethics, Responsibility & Law:
It is essential for the technology users to learn the ethics of the business world, the rules they have to follow and their social and legal responsibility towards it.
Digital Security:
A very common issue across the digital world is of security, we must be aware of the fact that not every person is to be trusted. We must know what we are getting our hands into. We should install a security software to avoid this threat.