How to Be a Responsible Digital Citizen

Digital Citizenship is about the responsible use of technology. Mike Ribble and Gerald Bailey proposed Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship. This article will introduce the nine elements and provide a brief description about each element.

Digital Access: full electronic participation in society. It is important that everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, disabilities, and physical location have equal access to technology. Dr. Williamson

Digital Commerce:electronic buying and selling of goods. The buying and selling of goods has become a common practice in today's society. It is important that buyers be aware of issues associated with this practice, and make informed and safe decisions before making online transactions. (K. Sharp)

Digital Communication: The electronic exchange of information. Due to technology people are more connected to each other than ever before. Information can be exchanged instantly with people anywhere in the world as long as they have access to the proper technology. It is important to understand that all types of information should not be shared electronically. (E. Wilson)

Digital Literacy: The process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology. New technologies are emerging everyday. People need to be taught how to use these technologies appropriately. (D. Albertson)

Digital EtiquetteThe rules, regulations and standards that outline appropriate conduct when using technology. Often avoided in conversation; however, major cause of problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. It is important that we teach, discuss and model technology etiquette prior to using technology to ensure that users are appropriate and responsible. (K.Wames)

Digital Law: The legal rights and restrictions governing technology use.

Digital Rights and Responsibilities: Those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Just as responsibilities go along with having rights as citizens, digital users have responsibilities that go along with using technology. It is important that digital users understand that appropriate behavior be maintained while using technology. (B.Powell)

Digital Health and Wellness pertains to physical and psychological well-being in a digital world. There are several physical and even psychological inherent dangers of technology. To maintain good health, it is important for digital users to be aware of the potential physical dangers (carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, poor posture) and psychological dangers such as Internet addiction. (D. DiGerolamo)

Digital Security is using precautions to protect yourself online. It is also protecting your material online. This is important because we need to protect our online identities, just as we would protect our valuables at home. Security can also go as far as using surge protectors to protect our equipment. (S. Trinidad)

1. Define each of the elements and state the importance. 2. The steps will be how to be a responsible user of technology.