The text on this page was adapted from Digital Citizenship in Schools, 3rd edition.
digital access
Full electronic participation in society. Do all users have equal opportunities as far as technology use is concerned? Examples: Improved Internet access for low income and minority students outside of school. This includes providing hot spot devices, after school homework centers and low-cost Internet services. Improved Internet access for students with visual disabilities. This assistive technology includes access to web-site readers, audio books and ebooks.
Electronic buying and selling of goods. Do users have the knowledge and protection to buy and sell in a digital world? Examples: Online buying through commercial sites, auction sites, and other locations; Online selling through auction sites and other internet locations; Media subscriptions and purchases made through applications such as I'Tunes; Buying and selling "virtual merchandise" for online games; Technology and identity theft; Technology and credit issues.
Electronic exchange of information. Do users understand the various digital communication methods and when each is appropriate? Examples: Choosing the appropriate communication tool; Appropriate use of email; Cellphone ettiquete, Personal video calls; Instant messaging; Text messaging;Sexting; Blogs; Wikis; Social networking.
Evaluating online resources (determining the accuracy of content on websites and wikis; assessing the trustworthiness and security of online vendors; recognizing phishing attacks.) Examples: CRAAP Test; Media Literacy; Fake news; fact-checking sites; Misinformation.
Electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Do users consider others when using digital technologies? Examples: Using technology in ways that minimize the negative effects on others; Respecting others online: Not engaging in cyberbullying; flaming; inflammatory language, etc; Technology Ettiquete or Nettiquette; Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs).
Electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. Are users aware of laws, rules and policies that govern the use of digital technologies? Examples: Downloading copyrighted music from social networking sites or file-sharing -- Copyright laws ; Students scripting (using computer code) to bypass firewalls or other network protection; Technology copyright laws; Peer-to-Peer file sharing(P2P); Software Piracy; Fair Use and Copyright Laws
Those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Are users ready to protect the rights of others and to defend their own digital rights? Examples: Following acceptable use policies and using technology responsibly both inside and outside school, Using online material ethically, including citing sources and requesting permissions; Using technology to cheat on tests and assignments; Reporting cyberbullies, threats, and other inappropriate behaviors. Additional Search Terms: Fair Use and Copy Right Laws; Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. Do users consider the risks, both physical and psychological, when using digital technologies? Examples: Using proper ergonomics and avoiding repetitive motion injuries; Becoming addicted to the internet or to video games and withdrawing from society; Loss of self identity; Depression; Repetitive stress injury; Computer eye strain.
Electronic precautions to guarantee safety. Do users take the time to protect their information while taking precautions to protect others' data as well? Examples: Protecting hardware and network security; Protecting personal security which includes identity theft, phishing, and online stalking; Protecting school security from hackers and viruses. Additional Search Terms: Spyware/adware; Data backup; Passwords; Firewall; Technology Disaster Protection.