Digital Citizenship

The use of technology is continuously changing. The way people have adapted to the use of technology in their workplace has made the workplace more remote by accommodating various employees that possibly work in different time zones and localized employees; the proof of this is videoconferences can be held via video communication applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Another example of technological innovation is in the education profession. Today educators can deliver lessons through a computer. They can also socialize and communicate with students and colleagues. There are different platforms where people can interact, send messages, and get to know people globally, expanding a wide range of communication to enhance workplace and company production. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of technology has increased. Part of this technological evolution involves preparing all individuals who use technology to use it in a safe and responsible way. Digital citizenship is the term used to describe being a good citizen, just like in the real world but in the virtual world.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Suuphattankul (2022), stated that the definition of "Digital Citizenship" is the proper use of digital technologies by citizens. This indicates that it is important for everyone who uses digital technologies to understand how to do so in a responsible and safe manner. As was previously mentioned, digital technologies, like the internet, social media, and digital services, are part of everyday life. Individuals or users of different databases must be aware of their rights and responsibilities when using these technologies and the impact of their actions on other people in the online community. Suuphattankul (2022) also stated that "the new concept has started to pop up in research to describe the impacts of digitalization on citizens and their relationship with public authorities, their political engagement, and social activities."(Jæger, 2021).

Digital Citizenship in a school setting

Technology use in a classroom or school setting has allowed educators to manage and use it to enhance student learning. Also, it has allowed school administrators and upper management to promote professional development training and communication for subordinates. Digital tools have evolved in recent years, and kids are introduced to tablets, phones, and laptops very early in life. When a child first enters into a controlled school setting, they are already equipped with skills and experience using interactive media applications, social media, and virtual communities and networks. Walters (2019) state that establishing what teachers know and believe about digital citizenship or what they plan and implement in their learning environments will help determine what additional support they need to ensure teachers and students learn and use all aspects of digital citizenship. It is essential to include the concept of Digital Citizenship in school settings to empower students with strategies and skills to evaluate appropriate technology use because they already are a digital citizens simply by using their devices.

References:

1. Jæger, Birgit. (2021). Digital Citizenship – A Review of the Academic Literature. 14. 1-XXI.

2. Suphattanakul, Onuma & Maliwan, Ekarach. (2022). Digital Citizenship of People.

3. Walters, M.G., Gee, D., & Mohammed, S. (2019). A literature review: Digital citizenship and the elementary educator. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE).