Digital Citizenship and Digital Access

Nine elements of digital citizenship are:

Digital access

This refers to complete electronic participation in community. We as a society are not all fortunate when it comes to technology. We must therefore all work together to balance the inequality. As digital citizens we need to help in expanding access to technology.

Digital rights and responsibilities

Refers to the privileges and responsibilities that come with using digital technologies. As digital citizens we must make sure not to partake in cyberbullying, be aware of our netiquette and report offenders.

Digital commerce

This is buying and selling products online. As a society we are increasingly moving towards online commerce. As there are perks, there are also dangers that come with it. Therefore we must be alert and learn how to be effective in this new digital economy.

Digital literacy

Refers to teaching and learning about technology and actually using the technology. As digital citizens we need to acquire information literacy skills and processing skills to be able to adapt with the emerging new technologies.

Digital communication

This refers to the way we share information or data. Nowadays we have access to many communication methods. This means that we are constantly up to date with most things going on as we are in constant contact with one another anytime and anywhere in the world.

Digital etiquette

Refers to how we should conduct ourselves online. We should be responsible digital citizens online. We should not do anything that would be inappropriate and shameful.

Digital security

Refers to measures we take to protect ourselves. As digital citizens we are responsible for our own safety. That’s why we opt for virus protections, data backups anti-theft. All this to take precautions.

Digital law

Refers to being responsible for what we do online and also following and respecting the rules set. As digital citizens we must make sure not to be unethical online. We must respect each other’s privacy, work etc.

Digital health and wellness

Refers to our physical and psychological wellbeing in the digital space. Certain digital citizens’ wellbeing is affected when some start developing an addiction to the internet, eyesight problems. All these issues can be prevented through sufficient technology education and training.

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