Journal #6

Greenhow, C. (2010). A New concept of citizenship for the digital age. Learning & Leading with Technology March/April, No.6. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25564&DirectListComboInd=D

This article discusses the concept of digital citizenship in the 21st century. The author describes how this idea "is the least likely to be discussed in the educational research literature" leaving educators and administrators with little information or direction. The definition of digital citizenship has evolved as new technologies have emerged such as social networking sites and Web 2.0 tools. With these new technologies opening up a whole new debate about online behavior and privacy it has become even more critical to educate youth to "uphold standards for legal, ethical, safe, responsible, and respectful uses of technology." The issue of cyberbullying is at the forefront of discussion when talking about digital citizenship. New programs have started to educate students about this topic through simulations within Second Life.  It is critical for educators to "ensur(e) students' ability to understand and embody digital citizenship" as educational and professional networking become more prevalent in the online space.

1) Is it ethical for teachers to have jurisdiction over students for information they uncovered online in a social media setting?

The definitions of on-line citizen behavior vary based on different school systems.  It is difficult to monitor students behavior on the Internet since so much of what they do is outside of the classroom.  Most schools don't have the ability to take illegal or un-ethical on-line situations into their own hands because it is outside of their jurisdiction.  What schools do have control over is the education they provide about digital citizenship.  Teachers are encouraged to integrate Wed 2.0 technologies and social media into the curriculum so they can model appropriate digital citizenship.  The more experience students have in the classroom using these tools in a positive way, they will be less likely to abuse them at home.  This process also involves providing more definitive guidelines for teachers to navigate issues such as privacy when incorporating these technologies into the classroom.

2) How can educators help to stop cyberbullying?

Educators can help to stop cyberbullying by raising awareness to identify the characteristics.  A research study showed that when they created educational scenarios and simulations using Second Life, a 3d virtual world, it proved to be a useful tool in helping students recognize the signs of cyberbullying and how to prevent it. This also involves reinforcing the ideals of digital citizenship including "knowing how to adjust privacy settings, download music and other media files legally, post messages that are respectful to the online community, and encourage others to practice responsible online behaviors."  Promoting good digital citizenship in combination with raising awareness about the signs of cyberbullying can help to prevent students engaging in this behavior.