Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is the learning about technology and how it is to be used. There is a lot of debate about whether or not technology should be used to access information and learn concepts. Students today have never known a world without technology and we need to understand that they are very comfortable using it. We, as educators, need to help them understand how to use it appropriately.

Teachers need to find ways to embrace technology and use it to help students better learn. In my math class, I use a website that graphs equations that are entered to allow my students to explore what happens when parts of that equation are changed. Students experience what happens and make their own conclusions before I tell them what will happen.

While using technology in school is important, it is also important for students to understand how to use technology and social media appropriately outside of school. Modeling the correct behavior is one step to achieving this. Using mistakes and inappropriate use as teaching opportunities rather than opportunities to punish is also a step that can be taken. Educate rather than punish.

Students need to understand that technology is a tool, not a toy. We, as educators, need to help them understand that and show them how to approach it that way. We also need to work on educating parents and other adults so that they can model the appropriate usage.

One statement in the reading really stuck out to me. Lindsay and Davis (2010) stated, “how can we teach digital citizenship when the digital landscape is changing so rapidly?” This is the hardest question as it involves teaching skills that are basic and adaptable to all uses of technology.

Digital Communication

This week the topic is digital communication. This is one of the most important of the nine elements of digital citizenship. So many people rely so heavily on text messaging and shorthand that the art of writing is declining. Students have a hard time writing complete sentences and using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

One of the things I used to say when I taught college classes was, “I am your teacher, not your friend.” This was always said on the first day of classes when discussing with them how to send an email. I always requested that they put a descriptive subject and that they include their full name and what class (day, time, course number) they were in. Otherwise, I would not answer their question. I also used to tell them that if they wrote in short hand, I would not be able to reply without asking for clarification.

The reading this week talked a lot about that in the article about whether students are communicating appropriately. It is important that students understand how to write emails now to their teachers because, in the real world, they are going to be writing emails to bosses and co-workers and inappropriate language, shorthand, and email is a cause for termination. In some instances, it can cause you to not even be considered for the job.

I really like the video for this week, as well. I loved that it showed both the negative side and the positive side of how to use social media. I also think this is a very timely message, both for students and for anyone using social media. Students are not the only ones who are missing opportunities due to inappropriate posts on social media. Employers look at that now, as well.

Resources:

Clark, Thomas, PhD. “Hello? Are Your Students Communicating Appropriately?” Learning and Leading with Technology (Nov 2009); 34.

Privacy and Reputation Online: Video from iSafe

Digital Commerce

Activity 15 in the Ribble text is all about Digital Commerce. I thought it was odd, at first, that the focus on the activity is on teachers, not students, as it has teachers looking at their buying behavior and looking at online purchasing and safety. The extension of the activity then has teachers taking this back to students and talking to them about it.

While the original response was that this was a weird approach, upon further thought, I realized that this approach is actually very good. By having teachers thinking about their own online purchasing behavior and having them look at the tips and suggestions for online safety, it gives them an idea of how the activity works. It also gives them insight into how they may not even realize exactly how much risk they are putting themselves into with their online behavior.

The tips and suggestions from the various websites are mostly common sense, yet are still very important to look at. They range from securing the computer, to using credit cards, to making sure to protect sensitive information and passwords, to not falling victim to phishing, to reading privacy policies. There was much overlap between the various sites suggested as resources.

If I were to use this in my school, my first step would be to combine these three resources into one list of tips and suggestions. In my experience, the less paper and more condensed information is the best approach for teachers who already have enough to keep up with. I would also be ready to answer questions and to address the biggest question – why do we need to teach kids about online purchasing? Most teachers probably do not know how much students do have access to online purchasing.

Resources:

CNET News – Tips for Safe Online Shopping: www.cnet.com/news/tips-for-safe-online-shopping/

Microsoft Safety and Security Center – Six Rules for Safer Financial Transactions Online: www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/online-shopping.aspx

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse – Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You: www.privacyrights.org/online-shopping-tips-e-commerce-and-you

Ribble, M. (2015). Digital Citizenship in Schools. 3^rd Edition. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

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.