Reflection on nine elements of Digital Citizenship

After attending the session, I am much more aware of two main ideas such as Digital citizenship and Elements of Digital Citizenship. First, Digital citizenship is the norms and rules we follow to act appropriately when using technology.  There are nine elements of Digital Citizenship namely Digital Access, Digital Commerce, Digital Communication, and Digital Literacy. Likewise, Digital Etiquette, Digital Law, Digital rights and responsibilities, Digital health and wellness, and Digital security are also included.

 The above nine elements of digital citizenship provide a comprehensive way of educating students on how to be responsible, empathetic, and safe when navigating social media and the internet. . It is high time to creates an awareness to the students that not only the secure that we have to concern about but also the languages and proper mannerism of using ICT in public.

Firstly Digital Etiquette refers to an electronic standard of conduct or procedures.  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 the digital etiquette. Often rules and regulations are created or the technology is simply banned to stop inappropriate use.  Moreover, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society. 

Digital Commerce means where technology users need to understand that a large share of the market economy is being done electronically. Genuine and legal exchanges are occurring, but the buyer or seller needs to be aware of the issues associated with it. The mainstream availability of Internet purchases of toys, clothing, cars, food, etc. have become commonplace for many users. The user needs to learn about how to be an effective consumer in a new digital economy. 

Another element is Digital Communication. It is one of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person’s ability to communicate with other people. In the 19^th century, forms of communication were limited. But in the 21^st century, communication options have exploded to offer a wide variety of choices. Example, e-mail, phones, instant messaging.

I even knew the difference between Digital Literacy and Etiquette. Digital Literacy is the capability to use technology and knowing when and how to use it. Further, Digital Literacy is the way of teaching, using, and learning online technology. This element is very important because we have to know what we are doing online and if it's bad or good. In addition, learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society. In other words, learners must be taught to learn anything, anytime, anywhere.

Further, Digital Law is also considered as an element of Digital Citizenship. It says that 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, and no abuse of others. Users need to understand that stealing or causing damage to other people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. There are certain rules of society that users need to be aware of an ethical society. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online.

Digital rights and responsibilities and Digital health and wellness are also included in 9 elements of Digital Citizenship. Digital rights and responsibilities are those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world and 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.

Digital health and wellness is physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practice are issues that needed to be addressed in a new technology world. Users need to be taught that there are inherent dangers of technology.  Additionally, technology users are taught how to protect them through education are training.

Last element Digital Citizenship is Digital security which means electronic precautions to guarantee safety. In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, to disrupting other people. The same must be true for the digital. 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.

 

After learning about nine elements of digital citizenship I could able to know all do and don’ts of using ICT in public. Moreover, I could learn many informative issues from the elements and amongst all the most appealing points that I like was digital right and responsibility.