Donna JayJuan Londono

Lysbeth AllisonPatrick Smith

Digital Citizenship is how you behave when using technology (Ribble, M.S., & Baily,

2005).

Ribble, Baily, & Ross (2004) identified 9 areas of behavior that define Digital Citizenship.

Digital AccessDigital CommerceDigital CommunicationDigital LiteracyDigital Health and WellnessDigital Rights and ResponsibilitiesDigital SecurityDigital EtiquetteDigital Law

Students must become aware of the technology and learn what is appropriate and

inappropriate.

How do students learn what is appropriate and inappropriate?

They learn from their own life experiences and beliefs. They learn from observing their family, friends, teachers,

community, and media’s use of technology. Teachers can provide students with technology scenarios where

they have to use their “ethical compass” to decide what to do in each situation.

Ex: cheating, cyber bullying, hacking, sexting…etc.

You are on Facebook chatting with your crush. Your crush asks you to send revealing pictures of yourself and promises to delete them after

seeing them. What do you do?

Students must have guided practice in order to use the technology appropriately.

Who will proved students with the guided practice they need?

TEACHERS! Teachers need to positively model appropriate technology use

in the classroom to instill good habits in their students. Students need time for practice, feedback, and analysis to

become responsible “Cyber Citizens”.

"If we hope to create citizens who know right and appropriate from inappropriate behavior in the 21st century, technology leaders must make Digital Citizenship a top priority in their

school districts." (Ribble & Bailey, 2004)

Teachers need to be made knowledgeable about technology if Digital Citizenship education is to take place in our schools.

Larson, Miller, & Ribble (2009) suggest school districts purchase a skill leveled program in which teachers can work through the various levels at their own pace, educating themselves on technology.

School districts should create a technology curriculum that provides directions for teachers, resources they can use in their classrooms, and goals for their students.

Professional Development opportunities should be provided for educators.International Society for Technology in

Education

Technology isn’t going away. Therefore, schools and parents need to learn effective strategies that will help prepare kids to live in the 21st century.

Teachers can mold responsible and productive digital citizens by adopting new standards in technology, staying informed, and working with families.

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Larson, L., Miller, T., & Ribble, M. (2009, December/January). 5

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Ribble, M. (2009). Raising a Digital Child. Washington D.C.: International

Society for Technology in Education.

Ribble, M. (2008, December/January). Passport to digital citizenship.

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Ribble, M.S. & Bailey, G.D. (2004a, August). Monitoring technology misuse &

abuse. The Journal Online: Technological Horizons in Education. 1-7.

Ribble, M.S. & Bailey, G.D. (2004b, October). Digital citizenship: Focus

questions. Learning and Leading with Technology, 32(8). 12-15.

Ribble, M.S. & Bailey, G.D. (2005, April). Developing ethical direction.

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Ribble, M.S, Bailey, G.D. & Ross, T.W. (2004). Digital citizenship: Addressing

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