Digital Media Expert!

By: Claire Russell

 Dos and donts of Digital Media

DOs Donts
Be truthful about yourself
Do not lie
No Cyber Bullying lie
Do not create fake profiles Cyber Bully
Be yourself create fake profiles
Pretend you are something you
are not
Tell people your personal info
like address and phone numbers
9 Elements of digital
citizenship
 Number 1: Access

One important tenet of digital citizenship is that access to technology

should be available to all. This concept reflects challenges that are
present in our non-digital society. Most all citizens believe, in theory,
that everyone should have access to education, health care, the right
to worship, etc., but the reality of providing these to all citizens of the
world is virtually impossible. It is at the root of wars, political divisions
and religious fanaticism. It is unreasonable to think that everyone can
receive equal access to technology, but it is a noble goal towards
which to aspire. Digital citizens should continue to lobby for more
digital access, in more locations, so that more people can benefit from
it.
SOURCE: WWW.DIGITALCITIZENSHIP.NET AND LAUREN BROWNELL
Number 2: Commerce

If the sales figures for black monday induction, we

as society digital commerce. Digital citizenship
encourages people to embrace digital commerce
and continue to strive for safe and secure utilization
of shopping, banking, and engaging in other
commercial transactions in technical venues.
Number 3: Communication

Digital communication is another element of Digital Citizenship

that we seem to be embracing wholeheartedly. Digital
communication includes emailing, texting, instant messaging,
utilizing cell phones, etc. As digital communication continues to
grow, it is important that we not forget how to communicate face
to face. If we lose our humanity, technology will be a poor
replacement. Utilize digital channels of communication to
enhance your ability to communicate, but do not allow it to
replace your ability to communicate.
Number 4: Literacy

As digital citizens, it is our responsibility to develop and continually

enhance our technological knowledge. We should support and
encourage the acquisition of technological knowledge by others.
We should model the positive and proactive use of technology for
good causes, personal and professional growth and education.
Number 5: Etiquette

This is a real weakness among many users of today's technology. Picture the guy who
spends the entire meal in a restaurant on his cell phone talking so loudly that he
disrupts everyone around him, or the peer that sits across the table from you in an
important meeting constantly checking emails or playing Angry Birds. Perhaps you
can't teach old dogs new tricks, and it is too late to instill rules of etiquette onto these
rude digital citizens. However, digital etiquette should be an integral part of the
education of our youth. There are times when cell phone usage is inappropriate. There
are ways that you should address and interact with elders regardless if you are online
or in person. Educators and parents must be willing to communicate these elements of
etiquette to the young technology users in their lives. It begins with rules. For example,
no cell phones should be allowed at the dining table. Ever! It's an equally important
lesson as "Put your napkin in your lap." It prepares young digital citizens for life in the
real world.
Number 6: Law

As citizens of our city, state and country, we are governed by certain laws. As digital
citizens there are also laws that apply to our behavior and interaction. There should be
no stealing, no plagiarism, no abuse of others. Many intellectual information laws are
violated in this new digital age, i.e. copyright infringement and trademark abuse. The
digital world is so enormous that it is difficult to police. Therefore, we digital citizens must
be vigilant in reporting illegal behavior, if we see it, and we personally should only
engage in behavior that is above reproach.
 Number 7: Rights and Responsibility

In the words of Spider Man's uncle, "With great power comes great responsibility." The global
and instantaneous nature of our digital age puts enormous power into the hands of everyday
citizens. In order to keep the right to digital access, we must strive to always use it in responsible
ways. Sadly, when there is abuse of these rights, the solution is often to withdraw all access (for
example, a few students abuse the privilege of having a cell phone at school and thus, all
students are banned from using cell phones - even if for an educational endeavor). Those
committed to the concept of Digital Citizenship must take their rights seriously and their
responsibilities even more seriously, setting positive examples and helping guide the integration
of technology into new areas.
Number 8: Health and wellness

The physical and psychological well being of children in the digital

world is a critical issue that keeps many parents awake at night.
Childhood obesity is epidemic and a generation of children sitting in
front of a computer screen is certainly not helping matters. Parents
struggle with how to allow their children access to technology while
protecting them from online predators and cyberbullying. Fortunately,
awareness is on the increase as to how to protect children on both the
physical and psychological fronts. I reiterate the point that I made early
on in this series of packets - knowledge is power. It is the responsibility
of parents and educators to understand the world in which children live,
play and study, and they must guide them in being responsible digital
citizens
Number 9: Security

Digital security is basically protecting yourself in the digital

world - protecting your identity, your data, your money, etc.
While there are many publicized breaches of "secure"
information featured regularly on the news, for most of us, a
few simple steps can safeguard our cyber security. Backup
data regularly. Create strong passwords and change
passwords regularly. Be aware of internet scams and do not
share information with anyone that you don't know. It is good
to have a healthy dose of skepticism to keep yourself and
your information secure.