Digital+Citizenship

=Digital Citizenship= by Raahem Yazdani

//From the ITGS Guide:// ITGS Definition: Digital Citizenship can be defined as appropriate behavior that represents the responsible, the ethical and legal approach that individuals take in any situation with respect to the use of IT. Digital Citizenship permeates, in one way or another, all of the preceding social and ethical considerations. Digital Citizenship: Includes the rights and the responsibilities a Digital citizen has. Digital Citizen refers to any civilian who performs a method of communication using digital tools such as activities on the Internet. This includes e-mails, to profiles like Face-book and online purchasing like Amazon. Digital Citizenship helps users realize the responsibilities and the rights of society in technology. It helps citizens realize how to respect the use of digital technology and to use appropriate techniques. Any citizen can use digital tools and perform disrespectful tasks but in order to gain their citizenship they must send the right message to others and respect technology. They prove this by setting a good example. Any citizenship includes the rights and the responsibility a citizen has towards their country so for a digital citizenship it includes their rights and responsibilities towards technology. This is done with respect and ethical concern to others. It’s the responsibilities of being a Digital citizen and having responsible behavior to all forms of technology. [] (Definition) [] For example if I use Youtube, I am a digital citizen, however I put rude comments on people’s videos, insulting them, perhaps steeling their personal information and mocking them. This creates an unsafe environment for others. Digital Citizenship is when I show respect to others online such as putting respectful comments. If I disagree then I will show my concern in a respectful manor. This grants me the title of digital citizenship and creates a safe place online for others and they can follow this example. Cyber Bullying, hacking for others personal accounts, rude comments and stealing any forms of information and frauds are seen as being inappropriate to digital citizenship. These are often dealt with harshly as most are illegal. Surveys have showed that children spend more time on the Internet than TV, so the new generation of children will be more focused into the digital world. Therefore many businesses see this as an opportunity to help them realize the importance of digital citizenship and as a result there can be wider digital market created for the near future. [] Many teachers and parents feel as though it is important to teach people the responsibilities and having the right attitude of performing tasks in the virtual world. For example PBS (Public Broadcasting Services), a media business, have released new resources such as the website PBS Kids Go! to help and educate young pupils about the right attitude and behavior towards using digital technology. Many schools have begun teaching this concept along with many free websites been made to help the young. [] (PBS Article) As a result of Internet fraud, children are often taught not to put up personal information either. If digital citizenship takes place, then children will realize the danger in the internet, how to use if appropriately along with not giving out to much personal detail. This way they learn how to use the Internet effectively with no regrets. Often there have been many cartoon safety lessons to help the young. [] (Children safety lesson) It is our job to set a good example to the younger people so that hacking, fraud and personal information is not stolen or threatened. Digital Citizenship allows people to safely use virtual facilities and communicate safely with others across the world. [] (Larry Magid Article) []