The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship in
Schools by Mike Ribble
In this article, Ribble
discusses the nine most important elements for successful digital citizenship.
First, students should be provided with equitable digital access. Schools need
to be aware that not all students have access to technology in the home.
Special attention should be paid to students with special needs and rural
students; these students are typically those that do not have appropriate
access to technology. Second, students should be taught how to be a savvy
digital commerce participant. This will teach them how to avoid online scams
and protect their financial information. Third, students should be taught the
rules for appropriate digital communication. They need to be taught that
everything they post lives on digitally. They also need to be exposed to using
blogs, instant messaging, texting, etc. and learn how to use them all
appropriately. Fourth, students need digital literacy and learn how to use
technology appropriately. Teachers also need professional development to learn
how to integrate technology in the best way for their students. Fifth, students
need to learn digital etiquette. Teachers need to be role models in this area
by showing how to appropriately use cell phones, email and other forms of
technology. Sixth, students need to learn about digital law. They need to
understand the consequences for plagiarism, sexting, etc. and how to avoid
these issues. Seventh, students need to learn their digital rights and
responsibilities. They need to adopt appropriate behavior and follow Google’s
motto of “do no harm”. They also need to learn and understand their school’s
appropriate use policy. Eighth, students need to be aware of their own digital
health and wellness. Issues such as carpal tunnel, eyestrain, poor posture and
addiction to the Internet need to be explained and evaluated. Lastly, students
need to understand and use digital security. They need to be aware of virus
protection, meeting strangers on the Internet and hackers.
According to the U.S.
government, cyberbullying is becoming a real problem. Cyberbullying consists of
a student being harassed by some form on technology. For example, students may
post offensive statements on sites such as ask.fm, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter
and Facebook. They may also share inappropriate pictures or statements through
text messaging. Students who are cyberbullied are more likely to use alcohol
and drugs, skip school and have low self-esteem. Parents can prevent
cyberbullying by policing their Internet and cell phone use. They should know
their child’s passwords and look at all of their online communication and sites
visited. Parents should also discuss rules for appropriate use of technology
within their family. If cyberbullying occurs, parents should keep track of
exact exchanges, times and dates. They should report it to their online service
provider, law enforcement and their school.
This article focused on the
reSTART program designed for those who are experiencing Internet or video
gaming addiction. They report males addicted to video games mostly experience
their program. The report focused on Joey M’Poko, a young male who recently
moved to the United States. He reported that he was lonely and had a hard time
socializing with his new peers. He was also addicted to smoking pot. Video
games, and online gaming in particular, were a way to interact with peers and
avoid smoking pot. However, this online engagement kept him from interacting
with peers on a personal, face-to-face level. At reSTART, he is learning to
relax and interact in new ways not involving the Internet.
Reflection
At the beginning of the first article, the author asked the
reader to focus on which aspects needed to be addressed by the school in which
we work and what needs will need to be addressed in the next two to four years.
While reading the The
9 Elements of Digital Citizenship in Schools, I realized several areas in which my school needs
more focus. I don’t believe our students with special needs have equitable
access to appropriate technology. The use of ipads and personal devices could
help in this matter. I also believe my school needs to teach students how to be
involved in digital commerce in a safe and effective way. I also believe we
need to address digital health and wellness. After hearing about many of my
students’ weekends and breaks, it is apparent that many of them spend most of
their time on the Internet or playing video games.
My school has a very strict
anti-bullying policy with a focus on cyberbullying. I was aware of the
definition, effects and how to report these situations. Me have biweekly lessons
on bullying with a heavy focus on cyberbullying. The article on cyberbullying
had great information for those not familiar with this topic. The main way to
be successful in preventing cyberbullying is to be aware of the most popular
sites for students. I am always sharing with my friends the various sites my
students use that definitely need to be policed by parents. The most upsetting
site, and one that most people are unaware of, is ask.fm. This site allows
anyone with an account (which takes seconds to procure) to post anonymous
responses to a person’s questions. For example, a student could ask “Do you
think I’m cute?” and other students can post anonymous responses. As a parent,
I would never allow my child to use this site either as the poster of questions
or as a responder. However, many parents aren’t even aware of this site or how
it works. Many students have been bullied on this site. Cyberbullying is also
terrible because it allows the student to be bullied 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. They can escape the in person bullying when school’s over, but
cyberbullying never stops.
I was fascinated by the idea
of the reSTART rehab program for those addicted to online gaming. Many of my
students spend most of their free time online either texting, using Instagram
and Twitter or online gaming. I can see how easily it would be, especially for
those students who are insecure, shy or with a low self-esteem, to easily be
wooed by the idea of interacting with people online. This behavior can
definitely keep students on the sidelines and keep them from enjoying
interpersonal activities.
Reflection Grade
Summary paragraphs: 5/5
There is one summary paragraph per reading. Each is substantial and well-developed.
Reflection paragraphs: 5/5
My paragraphs are substantial, well-developed and show deep thinking about the readings.
Quality of writing: 5/5
My writing contains one or fewer errors; very organized and connected
Connections to readings: 5/5
I connected my thoughts and reflections to the ideas presented in the readings.
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