Digital Citizenship

 Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship refers to an engaging in appropriate and responsible behaviour when using technology or internets. Digital media provide us with unique opportunities  to get involved, to speak out our opinion, thought and emotion, and to make change both online and offline. Although we live and interact in the digital world as to the offline world, we are not always as mindful of our actions when in online. We sometimes act without realizing how it will affect our reputation, safety and growth as digital citizen. For instance, with a small action like posting or gossiping about others can have big impact on others as well as ourselves in our day to day livelihood. 

There is nine domain or elements of digital citizenship. First lets go through digital access. Although we live in a 21st century digital era, not everyone and everywhere has access to technology. Particularly in rural school, not all students can afford a smartphone, computers and internets access. That's why government should provide enough technology to every school and teachers need to provide alternatives for each students needs.

 Second is digital commerce, it talks about safety issues related to using money in the digital world. And third domain is digital communication. Now online communication become so common that all of us forget that we are doing in a digital, where miscommunication happens often. So we need empathy and appropriate reactions from all users.

 Forth, digital literacy means ability to differentiate between real and fake content, which can have negatives impact on students. Fifth is digital etiquette, and it talks about users online behaviour or attitude which is reflect in the real world and vice versa. 

Digital law is sixth domain and it deals with legal rights and restrictions governing technology usage. To prevent any kind of online crime, all users need to know the law and how it applied. Seventh is digital rights and responsibilities. The online world has its regulation and all users have freedom of right and take responsibilities of their own action. 

Eight is digital health and wellness which talks about protecting themselves and other potential harm while using digital. And last domain is digital security. When using technology at school, home and anywhere, all users should be aware of any attack like cyberbullying. So users need to make strong password and protect account.

Being a digital citizen is about working to ensure we are contributing to the health and well-being of our communities. Unlike olden days, todays youth inhabit a world that has been transformed by digital technologies where they can effortlessly connected with others through social media and access to vast quantities of information. With these advantages, there is set of new challenges for teachers as they are responsible for preparing young students as good digital citizen. Some of the role of teacher are:

• teachers should model appropriate digital behaviour, including online etiquette, responsible use of technology and respect for other's digital rights.
• encourage students to critically evaluate online content, recognize credible sources and to develop media literacy skills.
• educate students about online safety, privacy, and security measures to protect themselves and others in digital spaces.
• design lesson such a ways that they can incorporate digital literacy skills, critical thinking and online safety.
• should integrate technology effectively into the lesson so that it enhance learning experiences and prepare students for advance digital world.

As a teacher, embracing the digital age means not only equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world but also embodying and advocating for digital rights and responsibilities. Role of teachers is not only teaching content based to the students but they are also  responsible for teaching others important value such as good digital citizen, both within the classroom,  society and in the interconnected global community. Some of the digital rights are;

• ensuring access to the digital resources and technologies for all students.
• respecting student's digital privacy, their rights and personal information.
• encouraging students to have a open dialogue where they can express their thoughts and opinion in digital spaces.
• creating a safe and supportive online learning environment free from any kind of cyberbullying and harassment.

And some of the digital responsibilities of teacher in society, community and world include;

• teaching students about how to critically evaluate online information from website and use digital tools responsibly.
• educating students about cybersecurity best practices and promoting safe online behaviour.
• modelling appropriate online etiquette such as mindful of what you are saying and sharing other information without consent from others.
• teachers should stay update with digital trends and enhancing digital skills to effectively educate students for the digital age.

Digital citizenship is not just a set of rules but a mindset and a commitment to navigating the digital world responsibly and empathetically. As a teachers, we play a important role in shaping the digital citizens of tomorrow by instilling knowledges, skills, and values needed to use in an advance technologies world. By promoting digital rights and responsibilities, modelling positive online behaviour, we are empowering our students to become active and engaging participate in the digital age, contributing necessary information and more equitable online community for all. As we continue to enjoy unique opportunities and vast information presented by technology, let us not forget that digital citizenship is not just about using digital tools but it is about using them wisely, and with integrity to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.