Digital Citizenship: Let's Protect Everyone

        Now that Kidd Heat has introduced digital citizenship in my previous blog, let us examine it even further in three unique ways.

        Personally, digital citizenship was taught to me at a very young age.  I remember sitting in my 6th or 7th grade technology class and the teacher telling us that we must show respect for everyone online, the same as we would offline.  My first exposure to the misuse of technology involved AIM instant messenger and a good girl friend of mine.  She started to get messages everyday from a few "mystery" people calling her some very harsh and inappropriate names.  I remember her crying into my shoulder and me getting extremely upset and angry over the issues.  I eventually found out who was sending these messages to her and although I wanted to take physical action, I knew in the back of my mind that it would stop unless he was taught the consequences of this action.  The school eventually got involved and he was suspended from school and suspended from the use of AIM.  However, more importantly our entire class was educated on how to be good "digital citizens."  In a world today were people are so quick to ban someone from online I especially enjoyed this article because although the actions of one person were offensive and unnecessary it should not mean that certain elements of technology are banned within our schools.  David Nagel simply and reflectively states, "Before choosing to restrict the use of social and mobile tools in schools, policymakers and education leaders have to consider the negative impact such restrictions will have on learning."

http://info.uknowkids.com/blog/bid/159164/Global-Perspective-on-Cyberbullying

        As a teacher we all must consider this statement and figure out not only how to make the use of technology work, but what is the most effective way to enhance student performance.  As teacher's we must understand how to teach digital citizenship to our students and how they can benefit from the technology safely and efficiently.  Teachers of all levels of education need to examine appropriate ways to teach digital citizenship and teach their students what the importance of maintaining these practices will accomplish.  For older kids, those in 6-12 grade, we must teach students to understand their actions and the mistreatment of technology to harm another student is simply not allowed.  No one deserves to be bullied in general but to use technology to bully on an even greater basis is unacceptable.  For younger kids, I found Technology with Intention to be extremely effective in making rules that are both are simple and straightforward.  They depicted below this paragraph and show how effective one teacher has been on her students even though they are not even out of elementary school.  The responsibility they understand before they even enter a middle school will become even more beneficial as they move forward with their educational experience.

1. Give attribution if you use someone’s work. Be sure you have their permission!
2. Read through the recent comments so you don’t repeat what someone else just said.
3. Proofread your comments before publishing so people will understand what you mean.
4. She taught us how to read the post before writing the comment, so your comment is not out-of-the-blue or off-topic.
5. Never publish a comment that is not checked by a parent.

(http://www.techwithintent.com/2011/05/why-teach-digital-citizenship/)

http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2011/07/is-your-digital-footprint-squashing-your-reputation.html

 

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        The video we watched in class about our own digital footprint really got me thinking about growing up in this age of technology and digital citizenship.  Besides all my medical records and where I have lived, my own influence on my digital footprint should be one of a very positive nature with respect for all those who might view it at one time of another.  I  hope that my work while at UNH and SNHU becomes a part of my footprint I can be proud of and share with all those who want to know how I got to where I am today and for tomorrow.  I hope that one day I can perform this motivational rap (rough version) to high school students so they can realize what can happen to me, can happen to anyone.  My digital footprint will extend to what my students do while in my class and how they access technology and I want to proud of the work they do while in my classroom.  I also want my Facebook and Facebook pictures to reflect a digital footprint that I am happy to share with my students, friends, and family.  I want my own children to further expand my own digital footprint while starting their own.  Your digital footprint is your technological identity and it is important that we not forget this on an everyday basis.

Me and my future wife : )