Digital Citizenship
by Erin Slifer
My digital footprint is important because it is a way of showcasing my abilities, successes, etc. to the world. It is important that I be a responsible digital citizen. Learning digital citizenship is a powerful skill because I have learned how photos, articles, and sites can impact my image. I want to represent myself as a role model, an educator, and a mom; learning digital citizenship helped me to not represent myself in a negative light.
Just as I have learned digital citizenship it is also important for students to learn it, too. This should start at an early age, but I believe we should not put a negative spin on digital footprints. Ferriter (2011) states that students are taught how their digital footprint could lure predicators and to watch what they say and post online (para. 4-5). While this is true, Ferriter (2011) sees "digital footprints as potential tools for learning, finding like-minded peers, and building reputations as thoughtful contributors to meaningful digital conversations" (para. 5). It is important for students to see how their digital footprint can help them to showcase their abilities to potential employers, colleges, and peers. It is a way to network with others interested in the same things.
Learning about digital citizenship and digital footprints should start in Kindergarten, maybe even earlier. If three year-olds are playing games online then they need to learn the appropriate rules to playing online, but it should also be an avenue for them to display their learning. Kids need to know about the dangers, but they also must not be scared away from showcasing their talent online. Richardson (2008) states:
More than ever before, students have the potential to own their own learning—and we have
to help them seize that potential. We must help them learn how to identify their passions; build
connections to others who share those passions; and communicate, collaborate, and work
collectively with these networks. And we must do this not simply as a unit built around
"Information and Web Literacy." Instead, we must make these new ways of collaborating and
connecting a transparent part of the way we deliver curriculum from kindergarten to
graduation. (para. 15)
Richardson (2008) would argue that digital citizenship should not be a class that is offered, but one that all teachers offer in their day-to-day curriculum. Just as we integrate technology into our curriculum, we must integrate digital citizenship skills, too.
References:
Ferriter, W. (2011). Digitally speaking / Positive digital footprints. Educational Leadership,
68(7), 92-93.
Richardson, W. (2008). Footprints in the digital age. Educational Leadership, 66(3). Retrieved from www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov08/vol66/num03/Footprints-in-the-Digital-Age.aspx
Erin, Your first couple of points made my mouth drop open and I gasped in the realization that will happen to me too! I am getting married next year and plan to change my last name. In relation to my personal digital footprint, a great deal will change and I will also have to "start over." However, with my music, my performing name is Hannah Beth Crary (my actual name being Hannah Elizabeth Crary) so that will always be the same. I have performed around New England with this name and cannot even imagine changing it for any reason. But I see this as a comfort because it gives me a sense of privacy in my personal life. Even though my face may be everywhere, only those that "need to know" will know my married name. This is an aspect of digital citizenship that I believe is important to make children aware of--anonymity. While it is important to teach students that putting out positive energy is an integral part of digital citizenship, another part is feeling as though it's okay to be anonymous and not as "track-able."
ReplyDeleteHannah, you make an interesting point. While I think it is ok to have a stage name or alias for performance purposes, I have seen students use anonymity unwisely. The students at the high school I teach at got into "Yik Yak" and started posting hateful things to each other because of the anonymity. I had a talk with my classes about not using anonymity as a way to hide online to say mean things. It was a good conversation. I feel students should create a positive digital footprint; however, they need to safely do so without giving away their information. Also if they are going to use an alias they need to be taught to use it responsibly. By the way, you are a great musician!
ReplyDeleteErin, I also like to see "links that represent my growth as an educator" when I google my name. I love that these courses are helping me to build my professional digital portfolio. We have created blogs, tutorials, presentations, social bookmarking accounts, and we are also going to be creating a Twitter account for this course. I love putting my work out there and interacting and collaborating with other professionals. I think that we should also be encouraging our students to create a professional digital footprint in addition to the personal digital footprint they will inevitably have.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
DeleteI feel fortunate that SNHU has helped me to build a professional digital footprint. I feel everything I have learned and done in this program has been relevant and useful to me. It has been a great experience.
I never thought about my digital footprint as a showcase of what I know and can do. That's a great way of recognizing our accomplishments. I like how you talked about your digital citizenship. As allies to technology integration and its' use in the classroom, we must set a positive example for our students and others. Your last argument from Richard is spot on. I don't think there should be a class for digital citizenship either, but something that is built into lessons and classes using technology.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Adam.
DeleteYour post was well-written and should be shared with the masses. I appreciated your unique perspective on your digital footprint. In my experience students take too many risks posting potentially damaging material. They don't think about those future bosses, admissions counselors, viewing their footprint. It's not always what you say or share about yourself, but what others may say or share. I agree that this type of instruction needs to start at a young age. You may find yourself in my shoes when you become a parent, breaking new ground! This is a new role for 21st century parents!
ReplyDeleteErin, I totally agree with you on when kids should be learning digital citizenship. If they're old enough to be online and/or playing games, they need to learn how to be appropriate and safe.
ReplyDeleteErin, I totally agree with you on when kids should be learning digital citizenship. If they're old enough to be online and/or playing games, they need to learn how to be appropriate and safe.
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI really like the imagery that you use in your post and how you clearly explain how a person's digital footprint serves as a showcase of their best self. As you explain, teachers today need to instruct students how to display the individual they want the world to see and in every capacity possible instruct students in day-to-day curriculum how to be an effective digital citizen. Schools should work hard to develop clear and consistent messages about what good digital citizens are and educators should work to share how they are teaching good digital citizenship in their classrooms. I have found in my own educational experiences, some teachers would rather not use technology with their students because they are concerned with what possible issues may arise with student use of the Internet. To help these individuals overcome this fear, other educators can work to model rules, use of social media, and other digital platforms so the educational community embraces technology and does not shy away from it. Great post -- Anna B.
What a fantastic post, Erin. It inspired quite the response...loved reading through them all. I agree with you...start the digitial citizenship discussion early! But it doesn't have to be a conversation warning about the dangers. I like how you talk about how a digital footprint can paint us in a positive, professional light. Teach kids to be proactive about their digital footprint, not reactive. Nice work, Erin! :)
ReplyDelete