Nine+Themes+of+Digital+Citizenship

Digital citizenship can be defined as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. We recognize inappropriate behavior when we see it, but before people use technology they do not learn digital etiquette (i.e., appropriate conduct). Many people feel uncomfortable talking to others about their digital etiquette. Often rules and regulations are created or the technology is simply banned to stop inappropriate use. It is not enough to create rules and policy, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society.
 * 1. Digital Etiquette:** //electronic standards of conduct or procedure.//

One of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person’s ability to communicate with other people. In the 19th century, forms of communication were limited. In the 21st century, communication options have exploded to offer a wide variety of choices (e.g., e-mail, cellular phones, instant messaging). The expanding digital communication options have changed everything because people are able to keep in constant communication with anyone else. Anyone is afforded the opportunity to access information anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make appropriate decisions when faced so many different digital communication options.
 * 2. Digital Communication:** //electronic exchange of information.//

While schools have made great progress in the area of technology infusion, much remains to be done. A renewed focus must be made on what technologies must be taught as well as how it should be used. New technologies are finding their way into the work place that is not being used in schools (e.g., videoconferencing, online Course Management Systems). In addition, workers in many different occupations need information when they need it (just-in-time information). This process requires sophisticated searching and processing skills (i.e., information literacy). Learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society. In other words, learners must be taught to learn anything, anytime, anywhere. Business, military, and medicine are excellent examples of how technology is being used differently in the 21st century. As new technologies emerge, need to learn how to use that technology quickly and appropriately. Digital Citizenship involves educating a new breed of person—information workers with a high degree of information literacy skills.
 * 3. Digital Literacy:** //process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.//

Technology need to be aware and support electronic access for everyone to create a foundation for Digital Citizenship. Digital exclusion of any kind does not enhance the growth of human beings in an electronic society. One gender should not have preferential treatment over another. Electronic access should not be determined by race, physical or mental challenges that prevent access to technology have to be overcome. Those in cities or towns with limited connectivity need to be addressed as well. To become productive citizens, we need to be committed to equal digital access.
 * 4. Digital Access:** //full electronic participation in society.//

Technology users need to understand that a large share of market economy is being done electronically. Legitimate and legal exchanges are occurring. The mainstream availability of Internet purchases of toys, clothing, cars, food, etc. has become commonplace. At the same time, an equal amount of illegal/immoral goods and services are surfacing such as pornography and gambling. Users need to learn about how to be effective consumers in a new digital economy.
 * 5. Digital Commerce:** //electronic buying and selling of goods//.

Digital law deals with the ethics of technology. Unethical use manifests itself in form of theft and/or crime. Ethical use manifests itself in the form of abiding by the laws of society. Users need to understand that stealing or cause damage to other people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. There are certain rules of society that fall under illegal acts. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online. Hacking into others information, downloading illegal music, plagiarizing, creating destructive worms, viruses or creating Trojan Horses, sending spam, or stealing anyone’s identify or property is unethical.
 * 6. Digital Law:** //electronic responsibility for actions and deeds//

Just as in the American Constitution where there is a Bill of Rights, there is a basic set of rights extended to every digital citizen. Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc. Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and understood in the digital world. With these rights also come responsibilities as well. Users must help define how the technology is to be used in an appropriate manner. In a digital society these two areas must work together for everyone to be productive.
 * 7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities:** //those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world.//

Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practices are issues that need to be addressed in a new technological world. Beyond the physical issues are those of the psychological issues that are becoming more prevalent such as Internet addiction. Users need to be taught that there inherent dangers of technology. Digital Citizenship includes a culture where technology users are taught how to protect themselves through education and training.
 * 8. Digital Health & Wellness:** //physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.//

In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt other people. The same is true for the digital community. It is not enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm.
 * 9. Digital Security (self-protection):** //electronic precautions to guarantee safety.//