Everyone uses internet, but those people who regularly use it effectively and efficiently are treated as Digital Citizens. Whether you are a student, teacher or any other employee or a CEO, the web plays a significant role in everyone’s learning activity.
The concept of using technology appropriately in order to gain benefits from it is called Digital Citizenship. Especially in education, it’s very necessary for teachers or parents or organizations to understand what students/children should know to use technology appropriately. The theme involved in the above statement is Digital Citizenship. Educational system has been changed and Technological approaches has made student learning beyond classroom boundaries.
Education can take place everywhere. We’re seeing an Indian student listening to a UK Professor’s tutorial online, a student sharing his work to other students through his blog, and some students discussing about a topic in Twitter. So, what teachers/parents/organizations should understand is to make their students/children/employee as real Digital Citizens. Let me explain you some useful tips to make students engage with Digital Citizenship.
Related
If you wish to adopt the Digital Citizenship and Internet Maturity curriculum in your school, visit the website to know more.
Things a student should keep in mind:
Avoid strangers:
So many people will approach you through mails, add requests, and messages. If they aren’t your colleagues, classmates, relations or friends, just ignore them.
Don’t reveal personal information:
There are no such offers on the web to offer money, iPad or some other gifts without participating. So, if you receive such mails or calls asking your address, just avoid it.
Don’t click spam links:
If you open a website, there are many things advertised to attract you. If they aren’t trusted sites, never click those links. Before clicking on any advertisement, cross verify it through Google.
Never addict to technology:
Use technology. There are many sources to gain knowledge. Don’t be addicted to playing games and social networks.
Including the above mentioned points, there are many more that students/children must be taught about. Make sure your students/children aware of them.
Some more areas of concentration you should make students/children aware of:
Internet safety:
Internet is a wonderful source. Those who are able to type few letters can also use internet to get what they want. You’re the online protection to your kids. Teach them about all the potential dangers while giving personal information (if not necessary) online. Help them to surf internet safely.
Passwords:
Many web resources ask users to create an account on the site. And it’s useful to have a secure access. We can also share our works personally. Teach them not to reveal to reveal the passwords to anyone and also tell them about the dangers. So, next time they will never forget to click on “sign out” option whenever they access web in public net cafes.
Social Media:
Social media can provide tech skills, knowledge for students even at their early age. So, it’s not compulsory to restrict those children from social networks. But you can teach them what to do and what not to do. You can tell them about some options like report abuse, block and etc. for their protection. You can also use Parental Control software.
Web Resources:
Teach them how to find information for the topic they want. Provide them information about search engines, educational sites, useful blogs and several applications.
Example: Online learning systems like Schoology , Edmodo, StoryBird, Voicethread incorporate social networking and conversations as mentioned above.
If students learn about digital citizenship, they can find learning as authentic and focus more on it. This will help them in gaining not only knowledge but also tech skills. So, make sure your students are aware about Digital Citizenship and do share your views in the comment box.
