‘Digital Citizenship’ -   What Were the Practical Takeaways for Me This Week? 

This week’s readings brought much discussion regarding the topic of digital citizenship.  However, I found myself drawn to the particular discussions of the responsibilities that lie with teachers to guide students.  I agree students should be taught at an early age to heed caution when necessary and learn proper etiquette and integrity in their use of technology as they should in all aspects of their life.   I agree that it should be part of their everyday education together with more traditional subjects.  These ideas aren’t new to me, but I will say that the reminder is welcome, and as a result, several very practical takeaways came to the forefront for me…

When meeting new freshman and their parents, I often talk about the importance of keeping communication open as they start their college careers.  I carry on about them checking their email as it is the official way the university communicates with students about all kinds of things.  I tell them they can forward their university account to their personal accounts, I also tell them they can get good information from university related Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and so on…I often say there is no excuse not to do all of these things  because they are better at them than I am.  I often see parents nodding in agreement.  So, whoa back up, right?  I will no longer be adding this last statement.   While maybe college freshman are sometimes more intuitive with the actual technical use, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are better with the responsibilities that come with the use of technology…or the best way to use technology as they enter their college career. This was takeaway one...which leads me to my other takeaways…

In one of the freshman seminar classes I teach, I teach a session on academic ethics.  I present several scenarios that hold ethical dilemmas surrounding academic integrity.  Lively conversations often ensue as the students discuss and challenge each other with their thinking and their opinions as to whether academic dishonesty has taken place.  I typically have the last word - stating how the university would very likely interpret the situation…and the point is usually well taken by my students.  I can see a similar format working with the topic of digital citizenship as well.  Initially I thought I would just add more content to this particular lesson regarding responsible technology use, but considering all of the different factors of ‘digital citizenship’  – I believe it could easily warrant a class session of its own. Yes, I do talk to the students already about the responsible use of their cell phones while in class, and I talk to them about being careful of the posts they make on social media, etc, but I see now that there is so much more useful and necessary information that could be discussed. One thing in particular, I have not talked much about cyberbullying. This occurred to me as classmate, Bethany, and I worked on our “Digital Citizenship Action Plan.”  Of course, the starting point of my messaging may have to be different than it is for younger students, but much of the messaging is the same.  A few examples: don’t overshare, be careful with your passwords, and report cyberbullying if it happens to you or someone else. It is a crime! 

(Click here for further pertinent messaging to students regarding cyberbullying. You will see my and Bethany’s “Action Plan” regarding this important topic.) 

Also, I had this final brainstorm – some of my freshman students have service hours to fulfill to meet scholarship requirements.  Sometimes these hours are completed doing engineering and technology related activities with younger students.  During this week’s discussions, it occurred to me that it would be appropriate for my students to do activities with the younger students regarding digital citizenship as well. 

Have my students heard the messaging on responsible technology use previously?  Probably most have.  But were they in college when they heard it?  No.  And, hearing it again (and sharing it with younger students) certainly can’t hurt – especially in an entirely new environment where, as new college freshmen, they may be experiencing more freedom than they ever have had before.