DIGITAL CITIZENSHIPTIPS ON HOW TO BE A MORE EFFECTIVE DIGITAL CITIZEN. LEARN ALL ABOUT THE CORE ELEMENTS AND THE FLUENCIES AND HOW YOU CAN ABIDE BY THEM.

INTRODUCTION

Digital Citizenship is a concept made to aid teachers, leaders in technology and parents to discuss what users should be aware of regarding proper use of technology. Digital Citizenship is a method of preparation for students and technology users for a world full of technology. Its goal is to make people aware of what’s appropriate and what could be harmful. Digital citizenship has 9 elements or themes to it.

CORE ELEMENTS OF DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

1. Digital access- not all individuals have the same chances when it comes to technology. We must work towards equal digital rules and rights and allow internet access to everyone

2. Digital Commerce- a large amount of transactions and market share is done electronically. Internet purchases of clothes, toys, cars etc have made it that users must have a knowledge of how to be effective consumers.

3. Digital Communication- information is electronically exchanged in so many different ways such as emails and instant messaging and users must be taught how to make appropriate decisions when it comes to digital communication options.

CORE ELEMENTS OF DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

4. Digital Literacy- Those learning must be educated on how to learn in a digital society, anywhere, anyhow, anytime. As new technology emerges users must learn how to use it quickly and correctly.

5. Digital Etiquette- there must be appropriate conduct and behaviour when it comes to technology, users must be responsible with what they do

6. Digital Law- users must follow ethical standards by abiding laws of society. Stealing one’s work online or causing damage, creating viruses and illegal downloads are examples of unethical behaviour.

CORE ELEMENTS OF DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities- these are the freedoms extended to all in a digital society, right to free speech, privacy. With these rights there are also responsibilities and users must align these two aspects together to be productive

8. Digital Health and Wellness- psychological and physical well being in the digital world. Users must be aware of inherent dangers and be taught how have self protection through training and education.

9. Digital Security- this includes precautions to guarantee safety online such as virus protection and data backups. We must protect ourselves to avoid harm.

The 5 Fluencies

Now we move on to the 5 fluencies of Digital Citizenship:

1. Solution Fluency- the ability to creatively think and solve issues by clearly outlining the problem, creating a relevant solution, applying the solution and finally giving an evaluation of the process and final result

2. Information Fluency- being able to think critically while interacting and using information and technology no matter the format or platform

The 5 Fluencies

3. Creativity Fluency- how artistic expertise shows meaning through art and design. It is a full brain process that requires both hemispheres working in unison. It involves identifying, inspiring, interpolating, imagining and inspecting.

4. Collaboration Fluency- this is expert team work that is naturally able to work together with actual and virtual partners to solve issues and create products.

5. Media Fluency- the process of analytically looking at any piece of communication, evaluating the piece itself and also being able to personally create original media by the piece of information and the audience through a relevant and effective medium

THE END

The Digital Divide

The digital divide speaks of the gap between regions and demographics that have the opportunity to use modern information and communications technology. The impact on social capital is it:

1. Creates a language barrier- because not all languages are on the internet and most sites are in English this creates a communication barrier for certain countries

2. The Rich get wealthier at the Expense of the poor- the rich are able to afford internet access and advances in technology, but the poorer members can’t access internet and IT equipment. So as the rich continue advancing with technology the poor fall further and further behind.