Journal #6 - KM A New Concept of Citizenship for the Digital Age - NETS-T 5c for all journals - NETS-T 4c (article focus)

Greenhow, C. (2010). A New concept of citizenship for the digital age. Learning & Leading, 37(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

NETS-T - 5c - ENGAGE IN PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP
- evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning

I am a member of ISTE, and reading/evaluating various journal articles helps me discover emerging digital tools that can be used in the classroom to support student learning.

ARTICLE FOCUS: NETS-T 4c - PROMOTE AND MODEL DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
- promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information

This article talked about how educator need to teach responsible social interactions to their students on Internet social websites in particular. It also addressed the need for students to advocate for change in regards to current political and social issues via these social websites in a responsible manner.

This article summary was written directly onto a "new post" on my blog using the Blogger tool.

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This article focuses on digital citizenship and what it means to today's educators and their students. Given the fact that social networks are the wave of the future, educators must include lessons on digital citizenship in their classrooms. However, defining digital citizenship can be difficult because definitions of legal, ethical, safe, and responsible online behaviors differ between cultures and countries. Traditionally digital citizenship definitions have pertained to one's country of residency.

There has been a huge increase in the number of social media formats like blogging, social networking sites and Web 2.0 based sites, so teachers need to make sure their students learn to navigate these sites responsibly. Teachers also feel that these sites can become wonderful platforms for social change. They want their students to participate in civic life by volunteering, campaigning and lobbying via these Internet-based sites. In this digital age, it is necessary for educators to help their students learn the skills to create "youth media" like blogs, podcasts, videocasts, e-zines and online communities. It is important for students to be conscious of current political and social issues, and be able to participate in online forums that discuss these issues. Students must be informed citizens and their behavior online must represent superior standards of excellence that include safe, responsible, respectful, legal, and ethical uses of this newly emerging social networking digital technology. Therefore, in order to navigate responsibly through these social networking arenas, they must learn to respect the rights and responsibilities of others as well as themselves in the digital world. Teachers must ensure that their students possess the ability to adjust privacy settings, download music legally, post messages that are reflective of responsible digital citizenship, and also encourage their peers to do the same.

The article also discussed two studies that focused on cyberbullying and morality on the Web. In regards to cyberbullying, the creators of the study created scenarios using Second Life to allow students to learn about what behaviors exhibit cyberbullying. Using these scenarios, teachers can educate their students about cyberbullying, and hopefully prevent it in the future. The second study had scenarios that represented many ethical dilemmas regarding a teacher's appropriate jurisdiction over the information to which their students are exposed online, and issues regarding the privacy of students. These studies help to provide information in regards to what guidelines need to be established so educators will feel more comfortable bringing social networking technologies into their classrooms.

Considering the fact that the world is becoming much more global through the use of the Internet, it is vital for educators to expose their students to social networking sites. In the future, employers will be examining these sites to recruit employees. These sites will also bring collaborators together from a variety of countries to discuss important global issues. Students need to learn to behave respectfully and responsibly via the Internet. They need to be made aware of their potential impact on social, environmental, and political issues through their use of digital forums. They need to understand the effect they have on others, not only in the physical world, but also the online world. Digital citizenship is a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously by everyone who navigates the Web.

1. Would the educational activities developed by the authors of this study assist teachers in developing social and Internet awareness in their students as well as aid in the prevention of cyberbullying? - Yes, I believe the educational scenarios developed by the authors of the study "Cyberbullying: Using Virtual Scenarios to Educate and Raise Awareness" would assist teachers in establishing student awareness in regards to the issue of cyberbullying and responsible online behavior. These scenarios can be used by teachers to educate their students about the effects of cyberbullying and how to avoid it. Through the use of this type of educational material, students will develop a moral sense of responsibility in regards to Internet use and make better choices in regards to their online behavior. This should help prevent cyberbullying.

2. Will employers and universities rely heavily on social networks like Facebook to recruit future employees and students? I think that online social networks will become more important in terms of future employment possibilities and college admittance, so it is important to act responsibly on these types of social networking sites. You never know who is going to be monitoring them. However, test scores like the SAT and ACT as well as grades and extracurricular activities will remain the dominate way of determining admittance for students into college. In regards to future employers, it is my opinion that they would most likely use a social network to round out the curriculum vitae already provided by potential new hires applying for a job and job fairs. The face to face real world encounter at job fairs cannot be replaced by virtual social networking forums. Responses via the Internet can be rehearsed and well planned before they are input into the social networking site. In the real world, people need to respond quickly to discussions, thinking critically and intellectually to solve a problem. A certain rapport can be established in the real world that cannot be replicated via the Internet. Rapport goes a long way in establishing working relationships in the business world.