Digital Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Technology is part of our days; from the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep, it is present in many aspects of our lives, from social, economic, political, and educational environments. Technology has changed civilization throughout the years; it has changed the way people live, work, and learn. Technology has an impact on our lives; from checking social media, banking accounts, reading newspapers, radio, the weather, food delivery, and taking classes, everything is one click away. Imagine there was a time when people lived without this technology; having a cell phone or internet at your house was a luxury. Education has evolved with the significant advancement of technology; now, teachers can provide lessons online, and students can take classes from home. However, being familiar with digital literacy and citizenship terms is important.

What is Digital Literacy?

When we hear the word literacy, it comes to our minds the definition of the ability to read and write. But, the term digital literacy is more than that; it has been defined as the ability to use a variety of skills utilized in a digital environment, such as searching in databases, playing games, and communicating in social media is a combination of skills (Cohen, 2012). However, using all these skills helps us know not only how to turn on a computer but also how to send job applications, use social media, and work from home. Students and teachers need to know that they can protect their privacy in the digital world and understand that it is a safe environment.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital Citizenship can be defined "as the norms and rules of behavior for persons using digital technology in commerce, political activism, and social communication" (Issitt, 2018). This means that in the digital world, we need to be good digital citizens, just as in the real world, and engage with technology safely and respectfully. People need to be responsible and practice good behavior when using technology.

As an educator, it is important that people, especially teachers, and students, are familiar with both terms, Digital Literacy and Digital Citizenship. Technology evolves daily, it is better to be informed about what we use and how we use it and promote being a good digital citizen. The digital world is our responsibility too.

References:

Cohen, E.B. (2012). Issues in Informing Science & Information Technology, Volume 9 (2012). Informing Science.

Issitt, M. L. (2018). Digital Citizenship. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science.