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Allison M. Hawkins

CI 335Module 2October 29, 2011

Module 2: Participating in a Digital World

As our school systems strive to prepare the children of our communities to be model

citizens, employees, and consumers, the integration of technology into middle school curriculum

is undoubtedly an essential component in shaping the model individual. In conjunction with thisnecessary integration comes the responsibility for educators to instruct students on the proper

and legal usage of digital media.

Digital citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is way to prepare students toparticipate in a society that is full of technological communications. In making this preparation

complete, there are nine basic components to digital citizenship that must be covered by

educators in order to make sure students have the most comprehensive understanding of the

digital world in which they live.

To begin, the first element is Digital Access. This component is particularly relevant tothe teacher that is dedicated to incorporate technology into their daily instructional practice.

Teachers must make sure all students have adequate access to the technology needed for anassignment. Assuming all students have access to the Internet, digital cameras, cell phones, etc.

will only create problems and isolate those students which do not have access needed. Instead

teachers must be aware of the varying technological resources of his or her students and/or create

assignments that emphasize collaborative efforts or technology usage that is available to allstudents through a school computer lab.

The second domain of maintaining digital citizenship is Digital Commerce. Educators

must practice and teach proper electronic buying/selling practices. This includes informingstudents of what is legal and illegal to buy online. For example, teachers may inform students of

popular websites such as Ebay, in which consumers must be sure that what they are purchasing

comes from a valid, legal source.

Third, Digital Etiquette must be emphasized. Indeed, there are proper ways tocommunicate online that are widely accepted. Especially in future communication with

employers or positions of authority, students must be educated on the appropriate ways to hold a

digital partnership. For example, friending employers on Facebook or e-mailing in abbreviated

tech-speak (i.e. lol or omg) are not effective or appropriate forms of etiquette. Next,informing students of Digital Communication skills goes hand-in-hand with the third component.

Perhaps the most widely used use of digital media is the electronic exchange of information.Students must know the safe ways to communicate online, especially when it involves

confidential or sensitive information.

Digital Literacy, the fifth element, emphasizes the process of teaching about technologies

to middle school students and the subsequent learning that takes place. The only way studentswill succeed with future technological endeavors is to have solid foundation and understanding

of how to operate digital media. Similarly, these children will one day be parents who are aware

of their digital surroundings (a concern for parents nowadays). Digital Law is extremely

important as it brings to light the issue of ethical technology use in a society in which technologyis used continuously. Proper copyright usage must be modeled by teachers through the use of

their instructional materials and instances of the many details and blind-spots in copyright

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must be highlightedfor example, who owns certain material? How do you know if material is

copyrighted or not? How much material can be used if it is copyrighted?Informing students of their Digital Rights and Responsibilities is crucial as Illinois law

binds them to certain standards. As individuals frequently interacting in the cyber world,

everyone must be aware of their responsibility to report unlawful or abusive behavior. In an era

in which cyber-bullying and cyber crimes are rampant, digital users must be aware of their roleas citizens in helping to protect one another. Eighth, teachers must inform students of Digital

Health and Wellness. Operating technological equipment can pose certain risks to the human

body, such as poor skeletal formation, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and eyestrain.The final component of Digital Citizenship is Digital Security. This refers to the self-

protection of individuals in regards to what information they are sharing. Online users must

know the sources for information they are using and how/if information they are communicatingis harmful or detrimental to anyone else. This is another big contributor to making sure we

remain safe online.