DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

The transition to digitization has sped up because of the health crisis, and these changes have brought benefits like remote work opportunities.

Along with this are advances in technology snd e-learning.

For students, the internet is where they can connect with their friends and where they can meet new people. This is where they can post and say whatever they want. While there are repercussions, this poses as a big challenge to both educators and students in terms of how to be responsible digital citizens.

Navigating the Web leads them to create, connect, and collaborate with a global audience.

Because learning experiences can happen using blogs and online research, teachers must model, guide, and assist students in practicing appropriate and professional behavior.

It is indeed a challenge, but educators should guide students to be morally upright lifelong learners in this digital age. Learners must understand that they should be accountable for their deeds.

There are now so-called “netiquettes” which are guidelines for online behavior. When interacting with people online, everyone must exercise courtesy and respect. Learners need to be aware of these guidelines for each type of online communication since it can take place on a variety of platforms, including social networks and email.

Today’s classrooms should cover online netiquette while give students communicate online using email, blogs and social networks.

In addition, learners must learn avoid plagiarism, or the act of stealing or copying another person’s work.

Not properly attributing words taken from another source has serious consequences. They should cite sources correctly.

Preparing today’s digital citizens requires team work from parents, teachers, counsellors, and administrators. It should be a shared responsibility.

Teachers and other adults need to set an excellent example to foster an ethical and responsible digital citizen.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Gerry H. Rodriguez High school