Chapter 5: Digital Citizenship

Interacting in the digital world (online) is in many ways no different from interacting in the real world (face-to-face). All the rules of appropriate behavior and expectations of character in the real world apply to the digital world too. 

What follows are some general guidelines for you when working online. 
Your Digital Footprint:
Did you know that when you post a comment or share information on a web page, it is potentially visible for the whole world to see? Watch the video below, from Common Sense Media, for an introduction to the Digital Footprint.
It is important for you to be aware of the kind of information you post online. What you write on a piece of paper and recycle is gone for the most part. What you write or post online doesn't go away. View this short video of "Eva", who learned through experience about the impact of our digital footprints.

Digital Etiquette:
Just as we have certain expectations in the real world for how we behave, the digital world has those same expectations. In school we learn about and abide by the character covenant. This covenant also applies to the digital space where we work, live and interact. Take a look at this video from BrainPop about digital etiquette:
Basic Internet Safety 
(from commonsensemedia.org): 
  • Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses.
  • Never open an email from a stranger — it may contain viruses that can harm a computer. 
  • Never send pictures to strangers or view pictures that strangers send to you. 
  • Keep passwords private (except to parents). 
  • Tell a trusted adult if something mean or creepy happens on the Internet.

Posting Photos: 
Taking pictures is fun, and can be a wonderful way to express yourself artistically, emotionally, and creatively. The iPad makes that easy.

However, as you learned from the digital footprint, posting photos online can have a permanent effect. Are you sure you want that picture you posted in middle school to still be viewable by your friends in high school? In college? At your future place of work? By the way, who's in that picture with you? Did you ask for their permission to post it online? Would you want your photo posted without your permission?

It Doesn't End Here:
This was a short introduction to digital citizenship, but the learning doesn't stop here. Throughout the year, in Life Skills class, Technology class, or through advisory, we will continue to revisit these topics of online behavior, cyber safety, your digital footprint and more. 
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