Digital citizenship is a set of digital and online ethics that come into play when technology and the Internet are used, especially by young people. It is more important than ever for students to learn digital citizenship as they engage in eLearning in today’s digital society. The necessity for digital citizenship was brought about by the rise of digital forms of communication that provide a digital connection between people and information. It is essential to have digital citizenship in online learning because eLearning can be a powerful tool that changes the future.
Students of all ages need to learn digital citizenship when participating in online courses or digital activities.
Students are taught more effectively when it comes to digital citizenship because they need to understand the digital world they are being immersed in.
Online courses can be a powerful tool for students who may not attend traditional classes due to their location or financial status.
eLearning is a digital learning activity that uses computers for teaching and instruction. It has emerged more lately as technology has advanced, and the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for students to attend in-person classes.
Although eLearning is convenient, teachers are presented with other factors that need to be monitored, such as cyberbullying. Students should know digital etiquette to prevent cyberbullying and online hate speech while they participate in eLearning.
Cyberbullying can be harmful to students when participating in online courses and digital activities, so students need to recognize digital etiquette and digital citizenship in eLearning.
Digital citizenship starts with digital access, where everyone has the opportunity to connect through computers or mobile devices.
Digital citizenship is critical to have in online learning because it will help the future of our learning society. Digital citizenship teaches online etiquette, advocacy, access, and literacy. These four components of digital citizenship are the basis for a more effective eLearning program.
Digital Citizenship Principles
Research has shown that certain principles should be followed when using digital technology and the internet.
● Be responsible online
● Protect your digital footprint (privacy)
● Be kind and considerate online
● Respect intellectual property
The digital citizenship principles show students how to behave respectfully online when they are participating in eLearning activities.