Journal Article 6

Greenhow, C. (2010). A New Concept of Digital Citizenship for the Digital Age. Learning and Leading. (37)6
ISTE collaborated with Partnership for 21st Century Skills, to define 6 important competencies:
1) Technological Fluency
2) Innovation
3) Communication and Collaboration
4) Research and Information Fluency
5) Problem Solving
6)Digital Citizenship is a person's ethical use of online forums, blogs, or other Wb 2.0 applications. Using a "proper" behavior to educate oneself on being an "informed and watchful citizen." Observing government and promoting ethical behavior through accessing information, filling out online forms, requesting feedback, etc. is participation in civic life. This also goes along with knowing about digital law and rights, such as piracy and copyright infringement. Being ethical, while making statements, is a good way to inform others and learn oneself about our culture and to explore different views and thoughts.
Students' understanding of these concepts is not only important for achieving technology-based standards, but also educating students in his or her future educational and professional networking. Teachers must constantly research and update understandings of current technology to ensure students continue to learn these proper behaviors and learn to the highest extent.
Why is this important in my classroom?
Young America has every right to know what is going on in our society - and it may be even more important to this generation. The more informed students may be, the better decisions and votes will be made in the future. I even think students find current events interesting! A student might feel important researching information about the government, ethical issues, health care, etc. and reflecting upon that in a blog or forum can make him or her feel proud about learning.
What can I do as a teacher to help students learn this?
A weekly assignment or even a daily one, can be made, instructing the students to research a topic (current event) online and either write on a blog or add to a threaded discussion. They can then post the link on the class blog or email it to me. This not only ensures the students have researched, but they are using technology to respond and inform me.