DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP have exploded to offer a wide variety of

choices (e.g. email, cellular phones,

(Chapter 3)
instant messaging). Unfortunately,
What is Digital Citizenship? many users have not been taught how
to make appropriate decisions when
-Digital citizenship can be defined as
faced with so many different digital
the norms of appropriate, responsible
communication options.
behavior with regard to technology use.
-Electronic exchange of information
-Digital Citizenship refers to the
responsible use of technology to Digital Literacy
engage in society, communicate with
A renewed focus must be made on what
others, and create and share content
technologies must be taught as well as
online. It encompasses knowledge,
how it should be used. New
skills, and attitudes necessary for
technologies are finding their way into
ethical and effective participation in the
the work place that are not being used
digital world.
in schools (e.g videoconferencing). In
The Nine Elements of Digital addition, workers in many different
Citizenship occupations need immediate
information skills (eg. Information
Digital Access
literacy). As new technologies emerge,
-Technology users need to be aware learners need to learn how to use that
that not everyone has the same technology quickly and appropriately.
opportunities when it comes to Digital Citizenship involves educating
technology. Working toward equal rights people in a new way these individuals
and supporting electronic access is the need a high degree of information
starting point of Digital Citizenship. literacy skills
-Full electronic participation in -Process of teaching and learning
society about technology and the use of
technology
Digital Commerce
Digital Etiquette
-Technology users need to understand
that a large share of market economy is -Technology users often see this area as
being done electronically. Legitimate one of the most pressing problems
and legal exchanges are occurring, but when dealing with Digital Citizenship.
the buyer or seller needs to be aware of We recognize inappropriate behavior
the issues associated with it. Users when we see it, but before people use
need to learn about how to be effective technology they do not learn digital
consumers in a new digital economy. etiquette (e.g. appropriate conduct).
Many people feel uncomfortable talking
-Electronic buying and selling of
to others about digital etiquette. Often
goods
rules and regulations are created or the
Digital Communication technology is simply banned to stop
inappropriate use. It is not enough to
One of the significant changes within
create rules and policy, we must teach
the digital revolution is person’s ability
everyone to become responsible
to communicate with other people. In
the 21st century, communication options digital citizens in this new society.
-Electronic standards of conduct or -Those freedoms extended to
procedure everyone in a digital world

Digital Health and Wellness

-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
Digital Law
psychological issues that are becoming
Digital law deals with the ethics and more prevalent such as internet
technology within a society. Unethical addiction. Users need to be taught that
use manifests itself in form of theft there are inherent dangers in
and/or crime. Ethical use manifests technology. Digital Citizenship includes
itself in the form of abiding by the laws a culture where technology users are
of society. Users need to understand taught how to protect themselves
that stealing or causing damage to through education and training.
other people’s work, identity, or
-Physical and psychological well-
property online is a crime. There are
being in a digital technology world
certain rules of society that users need
to be aware in a ethical society. -These Digital Security (self-protection)
laws apply to anyone who works
-In any society, there are individuals
and plays online.
who steal, deface, or disrupt
-Hacking into others information, otherpeople. The same is true for the
downloading illegal music, plagiarizing, digital community. It is not enough to
creating malware, sending spam, or trust other members in the community
stealing anyone’s identity or property is for our own safety. In our own homes,
unethical. we put locks on our door and fire alarms
in our houses to provide same level of
-Electronic responsibility for
protection. The same must be true for
actions and deeds
the digital security. We need to have
Digital Rights and Responsibilities virus protection, backups of data, and
surge control of our equipment. As
Just as in the Philippine Constitution
responsible citizens, we must protect
where is a Bill of Rights, there is a basic
our information from outside forces that
set of rights extended to every citizen.
might cause disruption or harm.
Digital citizens have the right to
privacy, free speech, etc. Basic digital - Electronic precautions to
rights must be addressed, discussed, guarantee safety
and understood in the digital world.
With these rights also come
responsibilities. 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.