‘Digital Citizenship’
‘Digital Citizenship’ can be defined as the “appropriate and responsible behaviour” associated with using technology online (Ribble, 2014). Within society, not all people will conduct themselves in a suitable manner during their online activity and it has therefore become a growing concern to teach young people how to contribute effectively to being a digital citizen. There are 9 elements of digital citizenship that can be explored (shown in figure 1). As an avid digital user myself, I have been able to recognise how all of these factors are relevant to my online use; but the aspect of digital communication is one that I feel is the biggest factor within society and relates to me most, therefore this will be the main topic of this blogpost.
Figure 1
One of the biggest changes that our society has begun to adapt to over the past few years, is the leap into the digital age. A person’s ability to communicate with people has changed drastically with abundant communication options available to almost everyone. From mobile phones to email to a quick Facebook message, society is very much technology orientated with digital communication at the forefront. Digital communication in simple terms is the electronic exchange of information. To affectively do this, means to possess the “ability to associate with other people online in a way that is safe, appropriate, and beneficial to the online community” (Digital Citizenship, 2014) – therefore being a positive digital citizen.
YouTube Video: Digital Communication
As a student at university, digital communication is an important resource that I use every day. The majority of information shared with students is via email, online digital discussion forums and also during lectures, as powerpoint presentations are used to convey the main ideas. It is a quick an easy way for lecturers to communicate the appropriate information with students and also allows us as students to communicate with each other. I have also used other forms of digital communication whilst at university such as video chats with lecturers outside the university; which helped to broaden my understanding of a topic. Even using this blog to share information is a form of digital communication, as I am sharing with not only my fellow class members but with the rest of world! It is an effective teaching resource and a positive way for me as a student to communicate with different people as well as being another outlet to sharing information.
As stated previously using digital communication effectively and being a responsible digital citizen requires us to obtain a certain level of appropriate behaviour whilst doing so. This involves having the right etiquette and being safe whilst using these forms of communication. The website, Digital Citizenship, provides some tips for ‘proper digital communication’ – click here.
I have always felt that digital communication is a vital part of my day to day life. One way or another I use some form digital communication in most situations, whether it be communicating with friends or lecturers or even learning at university. It is a fast evolving phenomenon and, as the YouTube video said, digital communication is the way of the future.
References
Digital Citizenship. (2014). Digital Communication. Retrieved from: https://cunedigitalcitizenship.wikispaces.com/Digital+Communication
Ribble, M. (2014). Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship. Retrieved from: http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html
AJP 
Hi Adrienne,
I really enjoyed reading your blogpost and again, loved the use of images and video! I thought your references to yourself throughout the post was really useful as it helped me to understand and think more about how digital communication could relate to me, as a student.
The only thing I can think of to say would be to perhaps consult more sources for your references however, I think it was great!
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Hi Adrienne,
I really liked this blog post, the pictures struck me first of all as they were really colourful and I think the use of the second picture to demonstrate the 9 elements was a really effective use for the image use (rather than listing them). It definitely enhanced your post.
I also liked how you chose to focus on the aspect that you felt related to you the most and I thought your description of digital communication was very good.
Next steps would be to state how you would incorporate this into your teaching practice perhaps or looking at ways to further develop communication. It would also have been interesting to read about any downfalls you think there are- but I know we are limited in our word count and a very good post overall!!
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