Following the last few years, digital technology has truly redeveloped the way we look at K-12 technology. K-12 technology integration is not just about introducing and explaining certain devices in the classroom. Now its primary focus is to train students to become responsible and safe citizens and this will not only be necessary for the classroom but outside of it as well.
The need for Digital Citizenship had never been more of a requirement since younger children now spend hours in front of mobiles and tabs.
Digital Citizenship – What Does It Mean?
In simple words, Digital Citizenship is all about one thing – teaching students to become more safe, responsible, and efficient on the internet to lead a successful life outside the classroom. Their skills should be put to test in the world they will live in.
Kevin Honeycutt says: “Our kids are growing up on a digital playground and no one is on recess duty.”
The excessive advancements in technology have eagerly restricted children to not only use the internet in the classroom but outside as well. As a result, children have now also got their own personal devices and they use it on a daily basis.
Why Digital Citizenship Is Important?
Now it doesn’t matter for what they use it for, playing games, social interacting, group calls, everything takes place online. In addition, it gets tough to lay out a proper and perfect digital citizenship module for the students.
It’s highly necessary at the same time as well. So it’s important to instill and encourage citizenship prototypes in the body of each student so they can lead a comfortable yet responsible life outside the classroom.
ITSE laid out a statement in 2019 regarding two things that can be found commonly among teachers who vitalise digital citizenship.
“They model ethical technology use for their students on a daily basis, and they naturally incorporate conversations about it whenever technology is part of the lesson plan. In other words, they weave digital citizenship seamlessly throughout their curriculum.”
How To Teach Digital Citizenship
Well, often times there are only 7 things an educator has to look after whilst explaining and teaching digital citizenship.
- How the internet works
- Practicing Digital Literacy
- Securing Digital Services
- Practicing Digital Wellness
- Understanding the Digital Divide
- Acknowledging User Data
- Empathy
Conclusion
It must be known that not every digital citizenship is good. There are some bad aspects that should be looked after. So, therefore, one must know how to distinguish between both fragments.
Students should be held accountable when they indulge themselves in any sort of disturbing or harmful activity online. Also by the looks of it, technology isn’t going to take a break and reside. So it’s essential for educators to start explaining digital citizenship as a must in the classroom.