Digital Citizenship is about repetition." | |
Ribble's "Digital Citizenship" website defines digital citizenship as "the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use." It's a clean, concise definition; it sounds like something a student would be asked to copy into his or her notes and memorize for a Friday quiz. As Dr. Ribble deconstructs this definition in his book and in the online lecture, however, it quickly becomes apparent how complicated the concept of digital citizenship really is. Fortunately, the "nine elements" make a highly complex area of inquiry manageable for stakeholders across the board. "As schools and society become more intertwined with digital technology, there needs to be a structure that can teach students (and parents) how to act with respect to this technology" (Ribble, p. 9), and the author's framework provides that structure.
I'll admit it: Ribble's nine elements as presented in Digital Citizenship in Schools has honestly provided me with the first holistic and realistic understanding of the topic I have ever encountered. After years and years of using technology in classrooms, school-wide, and promoting its use at the district level, I have failed to truly "get" what digital citizenship in our schools should address. How wonderfully serendipitous to encounter Ribble's text and lessons at this point in time, when our district is reviewing K-12 technology expectations. Ensuring that we include all of the elements in our continuum for students will result in students who are more aware and better prepared to play their roles in an increasingly technology-immersed society and world.
Fractus Learning. (2014). Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship -- Printable Poster. Retrieved from http://www.fractuslearning.com/2014/09/09/digital-citizenship-poster/
Ohler, J. (2014). Digital Citizenship Ribble Final. YouTube video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96IiePBBRsI
Ribble, M. (2011). Digital Citizenship in Schools. (Second Edition).
Zhang, X. (11 Jan. 2012) Be a Digital Citizen. YouTube video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdEXijFXfD8