Some themes Of Digital Citizenship
1. Digital Access:Full electronic participation in society. Technology users need to be aware of and support electronic access for all to create a foundation for Digital Citizenship. Digital exclusion of any kind does not enhance the growth of users in an electronic society. All people should have access to technology no matter who they are. Places or organizations with limited connectivity need to be addressed as well. To become productive citizens, we need to be committed to equal digital access.
2. Digital commerce: Electronic buying and selling of goods. Technology users need to understand that a large share of market economy is being done electronically. Legitimate and legal exchanges are occurring,but the buyer or seller need to be aware of the issues associated with it. The mainstream availability of Internet purchases of toys,clothing,cars,food, etc.has become commonplace to many users. At the same time,an equal amount of goods and services which are in conflict with the laws or morals of some countries are surfacing (which might include activities such as illegal downloading, pornography, and gambling). Users need to learn about how to be effective consumers in a new digital economy.
3. Digital communication: Electronic exchange of information. One of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person's ability to communicate with other people. In the 19th century,forms of communication were limited. In the 21st century,communication options have exploded to offer a wide variety of choices(e.g.,e-mail,cellular phones,instant messaging)The expanded digital communication options have changed everything people are able to keep in constant communication with anyone else. Now everyone has the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with anyone from anywhere and anytime.Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make appropriate decisions when faced with so many different digital communication options.
4. Digital literacy:Process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology. While schools have made great progress in the area of technology infusion,much remains to be done. A renewed focus must be made on what technologies must be taught as well as how it should be used. New technologies are finding their way into the work place that are not being used in schools(e.g., videoconferencing,online sharing spaces such as wikis). In addition, workers in many different occupations need immediate information(just-in-time information).This process requires sophisticated searching and processing skills(i.e.,information literacy).Learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society.In other words,learners must be taught to learn anything,anytime,anywhere. Business,military, medicine are excellent examples of how technology is being used differently in the 21st century. As new technologies emerge,learners need to learn how to use that technology quickly and appropriately. Digital Citizenship involves educating people in a new way-these individuals need a high degree of information literacy skills.
5.Digital etiquette:Electronic standards of conduct of procedure. Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing problems when dealing with Digital
Citizenship. We recognize inappropriate behavior when we see it, but before people use technology they do not learn digital etiquette(i.e., appropriate conduct). Many people feel uncomfortable talking to others about their digital etiquette. Often rules and regulations are created of the technology is simply banned to stop inappropriate use. It is not enough to create rules and policy,we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society.