Becoming a Digital Citizen

In this ever developing computer age, it is important to recognize how technology has an effect upon us. We must be conscious of our digital footprint and how it may affect our daily life. We must understand our role as a citizen of this digital world. 

 

Just as when we walk on soft ground or sand leaves footprints, so also as we move through the internet we leave evidence of our presence. Each time we click like, post a comment or post, or we are leaving a trace of our digital presence. Each of these activities adds to our digital footprint. In the early 1600’s Francis Bacon wrote, “Knowledge is power.” Just as it was true back then, it rings true now. What power does our digital foot print give others? Does it give someone a reason to be at odds with us? Does it provide so much information to allow passwords to be profiled? Does it set a pattern that a predator or other criminal can use against us? Could it sway a possible employer for or against us? Knowing who can see our digital footprint and how it would reflect upon us, can empower us to make wise decisions when it comes to our online presence.

As we seek to continue our presence in the digital world, we become a part of the digital community. We should strive to be a digital citizen. Citizenship in a country guarantees certain rights and responsibilities. Several sites seek to define digital citizenship and the rights and responsibilities associated with it. One of these sites is Digitalcitizenship.net. In their article “Nine Elements,” they lay out nine themes of digital citizenship. A few of these themes are Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, and Digital Health & Wellness.

·         Digital Communication – Defined as the “electronic exchange of information.”

o   My family is spread across the country and at times we have been spread across the world. We needed a way to stay in contact with one another, and were able to do so through blogs, face book, and email.

·         Digital Literacy – the “process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.”

o   Technology must be embraced in what is taught and how it is taught. I am in school working toward an associate in Computer Information Systems. It will be a completely on line degree. With so much available, each Professor is able to embrace different technologies in presenting and structuring the courses.

o   “As we learn we learn to learn.” That was something I was fond of saying when I was younger. I have been working in the same department, but on different teams as my father for the past eleven years. His team is often seen as an escalation level for problems our team faces. On several occasions I have turned to him with issues. Rather than just handing me the answer, he would point me in the direction to find the answer.  In such a way he was able to teach me to use the technology available to not just find the answer to the issue I was having at the time, but to be able to use the same methods to resolve future issue.

·         Digital Health & Wellness – “physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.”

o   I spend eight hours a day in front of computers at work. Ergonomic guidelines and technologies are available to reduce strain from computer work. These include things from height of the monitor to special keyboards. Employing these will provide lasting effects in the work place.