Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship is something that is in high demand right now and a need for future generations to survive in this world. According to Zook, “Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level” (Zook, 2019 ). It includes how the internet works, digital literacy, practicing digital wellness, securing digital devices and understanding user data. So, digital citizenship applies to everyone who uses the internet daily and effectively. Furthermore, digital citizenship can also lead to something inappropriate done by the internet users. So, using it in a proper way would be an ideal way to be a good digital citizenship.
Digital literacy is defined as the ability to use digital tools safely and effectively for learning, communicating, collaborating, and producing (Deye, 2017). Digital citizenship and digital literacy sound similar to people and also have almost the same meaning. However, digital literacy is one of the nine elements of digital citizenship. Digital citizenship is anything that you do online and are responsible for whatever you did digitally whereas digital literacy only teaches you the digital skills that you need in order to be active digitally.
Digital citizenship is considered as an important curriculum for K-12 educators however it is not considered as much important beyond K-12 studies (Ahlquist, 2014). It can be supported for adult learners by organizing a seminar that educates adults about digital citizenship and how that is in demand right now. Handling the copyright is one of the important aspects to learn about digital citizenship (Avispector, 2014). We mostly copy random images that show up in a google search but referencing them properly and know how and which one to use appropriately is a very important thing to teach ourselves (adults).
In addition, educators themselves need to master the knowledge of digital citizenship and make sure that they provide the right information to the people. A vital role of individuals would be to educate themselves prior to everything that they are planning to use digitally. They need to ask questions if they are not sure how to use certain things or get stuck with something digitally. Digital citizenship is not as easy as it sounds, but knowing what you are doing and having the right information makes you feel comfortable and safe to be active online. Overall, digital citizenship is a key to being successful in a digital world.
Avispector. (2014, October 22). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from http://beyondthetools.com/2014/10/what-is-digital-citizenship-and-how-does-it-apply-to-adult-education/
Zook, C. (n.d.). What Is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It? Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship
SUNNY DEYE, K. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/education/promoting-digital-literacy-and-citizenship-in-school.aspx