Digital Access

Digital citizenship is the understanding of what it means to access and use technology in an appropriate and acceptable manner. It involves nine elements, as listed here:

• Digital Access: the ability of every person to access technology
• Digital Commerce: participation in electronic marketplaces
• Digital Communication: the use of email, internet, etc for communicating with others
• Digital Literacy: knowing about technology, how it works, and how it is used
• Digital Etiquette: norms and/or standards for how to conduct oneself online
• Digital Law: knowing the laws associated with technology and its use
• Digital Rights and Responsibilities: the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities that come along with online participation
• Digital Health and Wellness: well-being of technology users
• Digital Security: taking appropriate precautions to protect equipment and information being shared

All of these elements need to be addressed and taught to digital users. School is one place where a large number of digital users can be taught and shown what is required of them to use technology appropriately. Many schools focus on what should not be done and imposing rules on what students and users cannot do. However, attention should also be paid to what is acceptable and what users can and should do. Among the common beliefs of the American Association of School Libraries are several that tie into using the school to help teach these nine elements. For example, the AASL believes that:

• Ethical behavior must be taught
• Technology skills are crucial to future employment needs
• Equitable access is a key component for education

These beliefs fall right in line with the nine elements of digital citizenship and play a role in what should be taught in schools with respect to being responsible digital citizens.