Creating Positive Digital Citizenship

PAUL HENRY M. SUÑGA

In the African proverb a notable saying about shared responsibilities is actually in need to reiterate and it goes with this, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This quotation literally connotes that school alone cannot provide everything but with the help of parents and community stakeholders it can be possible. Tracing back the history, schools were confined in content and academic standards that aim to offer the acquisition of learning competencies governed in the curriculum guides.

The Council of Europe defined digital citizenship as the ability to engage positively, critically and competently in the digital environment, drawing on the skills of effective communication and creation, to practice forms of social participation that are respectful of human rights and dignity through the responsible use of technology. If deductions were made based on the definition of the COE, it will lead the educators on the importance of providing digital literacy to students as separate learning from academic literacy.

Building an environment of motivating and liberating education was the timeless responsibility of the teachers even before. Schools were considered to be the room for preparation and the teachings from classroom will be reflected in the community as well. Now we are asked on why is it important for society/ community that educators play a part in creating positive digital citizenship? Listed below are the key points on the roles of educators in building a community with positive digital citizens.

Teachers are the agent of change. With the view of public towards teachers as the agent of change. The changes were anchored in teachings of core subjects, tech-voc skills and the awareness on the digital responsibilities. They also impart the deep understanding on becoming a good person. Teachers and stakeholders in singular goal. Molding students in holistic development necessitates shared responsibilities and collective efforts. The proliferation of technology in every corner seems to be profitable and dangerous. Teachers alongside the parents and community officers must provide necessary realization and protection in the usage of technology either educational or in social aspect. Heightening the so-called Safe Digital World. As bullying can happen anytime and anywhere either in physical world or in cyber world. Educators and community officers (parents) must provide safe digital world for the youths as they can enjoy freely the benefits of becoming digital citizens.

“Students need to be educated on how to be good citizens of their country and what their rights and responsibilities are as members of society. The same issues need to be addressed with regard to the emerging digital society, so that students can learn how to be responsible and productive members of that society.” Mike Ribble, Digital Citizenship in Schools. As stated in the quotation above, emerging technological revolutions provided us with many luxuries and advantages but it also requires colossal responsibilities for parents, teachers and external linkages. We must not only let our youths to immerse in the digital world without equipping them the necessary armor against possible foes.

The author is Teacher

*****

I at San Juan Elementary School