Journal #6

Grenhow, C. (2010, March/April). A New concept of citizenship for the digital age. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.itse.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/Membersonly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentId=25564&DirectListComboId=D
A New Concept of Citizenship for the Digital Age

In this article Christine Greenhow defines and discusses digital citizenship. She starts out by stating the NETS-S definition of digital citizenship is the ability to practice and advocate online behavior that demonstrates legal, ethical, safe, and responsible uses of information and communication technologies. In her research to define digital citizenship she was surprised to find definitions of online citizen like behaviors to be different for different countries, cultures, school systems, and standard-setting agencies. She states that social media formats like blogging have given rise to discussions about to prepare young people to be com informed citizens. These media formats are allowing our youth to learn how to discuss and debate political, social and cultural issues. She also found, researchers from the university of Kansas have included with their definition if digital citizenship to include behaviors which uphold certain standards, like legal and ethical. These researchers feel young people should practice digital citizenship so that they are aware of social and political issues as well as what is displayed online is subjected to the public. They also need to respect the rights of others . Greenhow writes about two journal articles as well that are informational for digital citizenship. These articles are about cyberbulling and moralities of MySpace. She briefly points on how guidelines need to be set for educators when using these technologies in the classroom. She ends her article on the note of how students need to be aware of digital citizenship and standards need to be achieved in order to make sure of their awareness.

Questions
1. How could digital awareness be taught in the classroom?
This would be a great way to begin a computer class in middle school. Before all the games and computer activities begin some kind of digital awareness lesson should be taught. The teacher should address the students about responsibilities and etiquette of navigating the web.

2. Should their be a federal site about the use and misuse of the Internet?
Although I have not looked for a site like this one in the questions, I am sure there is one that exists. I think each entity whether it is a school or company, should have some kind of information stating what they expect from those who search and use the Internet at their site. I am assuming most places of business have this in place but I am not sure about schools. Something for me to look into!