We live in an age where Web 2.0 technology plays one of the
most dominant roles in our everyday lives. From school, to business, to play,
we all use some form of technology in our daily lives and are finding it more
and more crucial to keep up with the ever-changing industry. With the increase in technology, there
is a greater need to prepare students to navigate the information superhighway
and be guided into ethical Internet literacy. While the new technology wave
allows for unlimited opportunity, it also comes with many negatives and
dangers. Digital Citizenship refers to the norms of behavior in regards to
technology use. We can address
some of the issues of misuse and abuse of emerging technologies, such as cell
phones, gaming, etc, with the creation of the National Education Technology
Standards (NETS). These standards can teach students the responsible and
appropriate ways to use technology, as well as address ethical, cultural and
societal issues. Safety and security with the use of the Internet should become
priorities lessons that are taught throughout the school day. Other ways to
encourage good online behavior is by having adults modeling good use of
electronic communication, encouraging appropriate online behavior and by using
the education system to teach information and technology literacy. In doing
this, we can help students understand a safe Internet environment, learn
skills, and form an online identity.
I absolutely think that digital citizenship should be taught
starting at an early of an age as elementary school. Younger generations are
not getting their hands on technological devices and are entering the world of
the Internet much sooner. In order to protect them from common issues such as
cyber-bullying, identity theft, game addiction, predators, and more, we should
be integrating the teachings of digital citizenship with our classroom agendas.
This will, in turn, prepare students to safely and ethically navigate the cyber
world and be able to utilize it to the best of their abilities.
References
Ohler, J.,
& Malmstrom, M. (2012). By Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be
Required to Teach Digital Citizenship? Retrieved from
http://cc.csusm.edu/pluginfile.php/240995/mod_resource/content/2/Teaching_Digital_Citizenship_Y-N.pdf
Ribble, M. S., Bailey, G. D., & Ross, T. W. (2004). Addressing Appropriate Technology Behavior. Digital Citizenship, 32(1), 7-11. Retrieved from http://cc.csusm.edu/pluginfile.php/240994/mod_resource/content/3/digital_Citizenship_ISTE%281%29.pdf
Hi Stephanie. I agree, the internet is a dangerous place for those who are reckless with the information that they give out, and the methods that they incorporate into the social networks that they frequent. As I discussed on Julio's blog, posting things without thinking about them can have consequences for yourself and others. Identity theft is an incredibly scary concept, but all too prevalent in social networks such as Facebook. In the culture and time we live in, every child will be using technology, the internet, and social media which leaves them exposed if they're not careful. If we don't prepare students for these pitfalls, then they certainly will get hurt.
ReplyDelete