Digital Citizenship: Addressing Appropriate Technology Behavior

Abstract

Recently, the popular press has pointed to increasing evidence of misuse and abuse of emerging technologies in U.S. schools. Some examples include using Web sites to intimidate or threaten students, downloading music illegally from the Internet, plagiarizing information using the Internet, using cellular phones during class time, and playing games on laptops or handhelds during class. How can these issues be addressed? This article provides a definition of digital citizenship based on etiquette; communication; education; access; commerce; responsibility; rights; safety; and security; and discusses examples and strategies relating to each of these elements. The article concludes that digital citizenship has become a priority for schools that see technology integration as a major teaching and learning strategy for preparing students to live and work in the 21st century. Using the NETS to help understand how technology should be used in the curriculum and applying digital citizenship to help define students' behavior will facilitate the development of well-rounded, technology-savvy students. An "Online Supplement" (a 1-page supplement to "Digital Citizenship" by Mike Ribble et. al.) entitled "Further Resources" is included at the end of this article.