Morgan's Digital Citizenship and Responsibility Statement

In today’s day and age, technology is something that has a strong precedence in our schools.  It takes the form of computers, iPads, SmartBoards, cell phones, etc.  Though it is important that students have access to some types of technology, as educators it is essential that we teacher our students to be good digital citizens.  The concept of 'digital citizenship' covers a variety of issues and categories.  As a whole, it is the idea of using proper etiquette while on the internet.

Someone that is a good digital citizen treats people respectfully online and does not bully others, does not plagiarize (taking someone else’s work and presenting it at their own), and understands the importance of the rights to privacy.  Being that most students have access to the internet on a day-to-day basis, educators and parents must limit accessibility to websites and some resources that may not be appropriate for students/children of certain ages.  For example, it is important to monitor use of messengers and chat rooms.

Etiquette and basic guidelines for safe, student-friendly internet use must be taught to students.  Instead of giving the students lists of things not to do online, explain the safety hazards those behaviors pose and suggest better ways to be an effective member of the digital community.  If the proper guidelines are correctly instilled in students, they will without a doubt get the most out of the technology they are presented with.

I found the Pinterest board provided very helpful in organizing my thoughts.  It is something that I would print off, laminate, and post by the media center in my classroom.  I would also recommend that it be posted in the school computer lab.  Though students should already have learned these things before being allowed to use the school’s technology, it would serve as a nice reference and reminder.  I strongly believe the teacher has a role in helping students develop proper digital citizenship.  We must be advocates of gaining knowledge through technology in a respectable, responsible way.