Journal #1- "Passport to Digital Citizenship"

Ribble, M (2008). Passport to digital citizenship. Leading & Learning with Technology. 36, 14-17.

In the article, Ribble illustrates the importance in modelling "appropriate and responsible" use of technology for students in what he dubs "digital citizenship". With technology becoming a necessary staple in our daily lives (what would we possibly do without computers, the Internet, email and cellphones?) it's important that students, as well as teachers and parents are educated about these important technologies and understand proper and responsible usage in what is often regarded as a anarchical and lawless realm. He outlines "Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship", competencies which he believes are essential in order to be fully participating members in a digital society:

1. Digital Access:Full electronic participation in society.
2. Digital Commerce: Electronic buying and selling of goods.
3. Digital Communication: Electronic exchange of information.
4. Digital Literacy: The capability to use digital technology and to know when and
how to use it.
5. Digital Etiquette: The standards of conduct expected by other digital
technology users.
6. Digital Law: The legal rights and restrictions governing technology use.
7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities: The privileges and freedoms extended to all digital technology users and the behavioral expectations that come with them.
8. Digital Health and Wellness: The elements of physical and psychological well-being related to
digital technology use.
9. Digital Security:The precautions that all technology users must take to
guarantee their personal safety and the security of their
networks.

To help students integrate technology and reinforce good "digital citizenship", Ribble frames a four-step process to help students understand a particular technology:

1. Awareness: Understanding how to use the technology and learning what is appropriate and inappropriate usage.
2. Guided Practice: Providing students with the opportunity to use the technology under guidance by focusing on "appropriate use." Exploration and risk taking is encouraged!
3. Modelling and Demonstration: Students need to see that teachers are being good role models and acting as good "digital citizens" by following behaviors being taught to students.
4. Feedback and Analysis: Teachers and students need to be able to discuss their use of technology. Teachers can provide constructive criticism and students can explore and analyze why technologies are used in a particular way.

Question #1 Why is it important for students to understand and participate in digital citizenship?
Technology is an inescapable and ever growing part of our lives. What used to be a novelty only used by the hi-tech elite, computer usage has exploded in the past decade. In order to become successful members of an increasingly digital-based society, it's important that we educate all students and ensure they have understanding of technology. Students who are not computer-literate are greatly handicapping their success in the future. However, it's important that students understand what is appropriate and inappropriate in terms of usage. The world wide web has a great wealth of information, and the seeming freedom and anonymity that the Internet provides can create an illusion of digital anarchy. It's important to reinforce that in the digital world just as in the real world there are certain guidelines and expectations of what is appropriate and inappropriate that students need to understand.

Question #2 How can we bridge the gap between technology usage and school and home?
There is frequently a disconnect in students' technology usage at school and home. Although some students may have more freedom with usage at home, often times students are far more technology-savvy then their parents, so the parents may be unaware of what is considered appropriate. Schools should send out a "technology guidelines" at the beginning of the school year featuring the NETS-S and explaining what "digital citizenship" is and its importance. This would help parents understand what their students are learning in regards of technology, and perhaps open a dialog between students and parents about being a good citizen in the digital world. As a teacher, I would recommend to parents that they set guidelines for usage at home and place students' computers in public areas so they can monitor what their students are viewing.