So last week in my EDTC 300 class we were introduced to Ribbles nine elements of digital citizenship, had discussions around the topic and this week in our class we finished it off. Ribbles nine elements provide a helpful framework for understanding the major components of digital citizenship. The way I came to understood what digital citizenship is by the norms of behavior with regard to technology use especially within the classroom. Our world is changing and schools need to adapt to the new realities of knowledge, society, and education when it comes to technology. Technology has changed our idea of community and the ways in which we interact with each other as well the Internet has also broken down many barriers of space and time which allowed us to rethink the way that we work and connect. The main areas that behavior in relation to digital citizenship with technology uses ; digital etiquette, digital communication/collaboration, digital access, digital commerce, digital rights & responsibility, digital fluency, digital health & welfare, digital law, and digital security. Thinking about the Saskatchewan Curriculum and Digital Citizenship I feel that they go hand in hand as well they are connected. I believe it is important for students to know the pros and cons to using technology in their everyday lives as well as educators are to help educate, respect and protect their students by teaching them about how to properly use technology.

Why is it important to know about digital citizenship?

Digital citizenship teaches learners/students the proper safety skills to communicate and collaborate in the digital world we live in today and are exposed to from the time we wake to the time we go to sleep. It allows students to be properly educated on how they can use technology and technological resources such as iPads, computers, phones, apps etc. safely and wisely within the classroom and at home. Digital citizenship provides students with information on how to protect themselves of their personal information online and knowing the difference between private and public when posting on their technology.

Digital citizenship and the Saskatchewan Curriculum

The digital citizenship and Saskatchewan Curriculum are connected where in SK education it is a priority for all Saskatchewan students to know how to safely use technology and other resources within the classroom and school. Key outcomes in the curriculum mention that both students and educators need to be able to use technology safely and effectively to communicate and collaborate in a global society we live in today. An understanding of digital citizenship education is used as a way to address cyberbullying and other dangers that may affect students. Thinking about the the SK curriculum and the integration of technology in the classrooms, both students and educators need to work towards an increased digital fluency that the use of technology is taught respectfully where students understand that they are to use it properly and to communicate effectively (safely) as well as the ability to “participate discerningly in a global digital society inside and outside the classroom.

In the Classroom

I feel that within my future classroom I would like to help and support my students to be prepared to succeed with the knowledge of learning about digital citizenship, be aware of the dangers of technology, talk about being a good digital citizen and to use technology properly, safely and respectfully However, bringing and raising awareness to how technology can be harmful especially when it comes to using technological resources within the classroom. Digital citizenship can be integrated within any lesson or subject that is related to the world. Thinking about diving first into a new subject teachers can go through what is digital citizenship, the outcomes to having technology in the classroom the pros and cons of using technology and so much more. We as educators have an important role to play when it comes to teaching our future students about digital citizenship. I feel that keeping parents informed on what is taught can empower them to support digital citizenship lessons. Here are some ways that I would promote digital citizenship in my classroom:

• Emphasize the importance of online etiquette
• Teach my students to protect their privacy
• Know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to using technology and know the pros and cons to technology
• have digital access as most students wont have the same access to technology
• Learn about digital fluency
• Help my students stay safe online
• Promote media literacy in my classroom respectfully
• Teach students to protect their creative rights
• Show them their digital footprint in regards to Riddles nine elements of digital citizenship.