Digital Citizenship Lesson

Summary

In this video, instructor Franca Vella explores the essential concepts of digital citizenship. Topics covered include the two pillars of digital citizenship—respect and protection—as well as nine key elements such as digital literacy, security, online etiquette, and digital rights. Students are taught how to navigate the digital world responsibly, from using social media to protecting personal information and understanding the importance of digital security. The video emphasizes the role of technology in shaping future careers, the need for online safety, and the importance of building good character in the digital age.

Takeaways

• 😀 Digital citizenship prepares students for the global technology demands of the future and helps bridge the digital divide.
• 😀 It involves not only learning how to use technology but also how to engage with it responsibly, safely, and meaningfully.
• 😀 One of the two main pillars of digital citizenship is respect, which includes appropriate online behavior and adherence to an acceptable use policy.
• 😀 The second pillar, protection, focuses on safeguarding private information and avoiding online threats like identity theft and catfishing.
• 😀 A digital footprint is created through all online activities, and students should understand the long-term implications of what they share online.
• 😀 Copyright laws must be respected; students should learn to use content responsibly by understanding fair use and when it's appropriate to credit others.
• 😀 Strong, secure passwords are essential for online safety, and students should avoid sharing their passwords or using personal information in them.
• 😀 Student agency allows students to take ownership of their learning, fostering autonomy and leadership through projects and teamwork.
• 😀 Digital literacy is key to being effective in the digital world, including using the right tools and evaluating the information for validity.
• 😀 Digital security measures like backing up data, locking devices, and avoiding phishing scams are crucial for protecting personal information online.

Q & A

What is the overall mission of digital citizenship?

The overall mission of digital citizenship is to prepare students for the global technology demands of the future by teaching them how to engage with the internet or technology in a safe and meaningful way.

What are the two main pillars of digital citizenship?

The two main pillars of digital citizenship are respect and protection. Respect involves following an acceptable use policy, treating others decently online, and preventing cyberbullying. Protection focuses on safeguarding personal information, such as preventing identity theft and being cautious of online threats like catfishing.

What is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint is the personal information someone leaves behind while using the Internet, both intentionally (such as social media posts) and unintentionally (like emails or browsing history). It includes anything from search history to social media interactions and can impact one's reputation or career.

Why is digital literacy important in digital citizenship?

Digital literacy is essential as it helps students identify specific needs for technology, search and evaluate information, and use appropriate tools effectively. It also ensures students can keep up with the rapid changes in technology.

What is fair use in relation to digital citizenship?

Fair use allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission under specific circumstances, such as for criticism, news reporting, or educational purposes. It’s important for students to understand how and when it's appropriate to use copyrighted content.

What is the importance of creating strong passwords?

Creating strong passwords is crucial for digital security. A strong password should include a mix of numbers, capital and lowercase letters, and symbols. It is also important not to use easily guessable personal information and to keep passwords private to prevent unauthorized access.

What is meant by student agency in digital citizenship?

Student agency refers to giving students autonomy over their learning experiences. This can include allowing them to manage their own projects and encouraging them to take ownership of their work, thus fostering leadership and communication skills.

What is the digital divide, and how does it relate to access in digital citizenship?

The digital divide refers to the gap between students who have access to the internet and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic factors. Addressing this divide is essential to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students.

How does digital etiquette play a role in online behavior?

Digital etiquette is about exhibiting appropriate behavior online and following a code of conduct. It emphasizes treating others with respect and understanding when formal or informal language is appropriate, helping to prevent issues like suspensions or demonetization from improper online behavior.

What are some common digital security risks and how can they be avoided?

Common digital security risks include malware, phishing, and data theft. To avoid these, students should back up their data, lock their devices when not in use, and be cautious of suspicious emails or links. Additionally, they should avoid using public computers for sensitive transactions.