Could the forum of our own world be the net? I think that the answer must be yes. Certainly, the video we viewed from Garth Holman shows how this virtual world allows for the free exchange of ideas. It is how his students in Beachwood, OH have been able to inspire other students in Texas while using SKYPE to engage with topic experts in the field. As the Nine Themes in Digital Citizenship reminds us, this goes beyond classrooms to almost all facets of our life. This new online forum has changed the way we shop, the way we process information, and even our health (stained eyes and strained backs from spending so much time in front of a computer). It has also altered the way we think about intellectual property. We need to be aware of granting credit where credit is due. It is so easy to post a photo or a song on to our blogs without thinking of giving the proper credit to those who created it. Some places have dedicated resources toward connecting free multimedia to users. For example, there are several sites dedicated to sharing music available for free to use in films and blogs. This includes Free Play Music and CCMixter. Though this may not seem a huge revolution, for those who create independent media, finding acceptable music is a huge barrier. (I was shocked to learn that it can cost at least $1000 to include a licensed song in a film from this article.)
However, there are a rules of behavior for us as we participate in this new forum. A whole field of netiquette has built up designed to help us navigate this virtual world. First, we must be aware of the dangers that we can experience. We need to be aware of the presence of cyberbullying and how prevalent it is among teens as well as adults. As future educators, we need to take steps to protect our students as they interact in this world wide forum. For younger students, it can include bookmarking popular websites and blocking their ability to purchase apps. For teens, it includes limiting the amount of information shared on social media sites. However, we must not let these potential challenges outweigh the benefits of integrating online technological tools into classrooms. There are steps we can take to help keep students safe. Tell students not to respond to information requests or emails from people they do not know. Encourage them to limit information shared with websites and use email address that do not identify their names. Finally, tell them to use you as a resource. If something does not look right, have them send it to you to sort through it.
I have not had my feelings hurt by something shared online or (to my knowledge) I have not hurt anyone's feelings by what I shared online. However, I have, at times, felt like my privacy has been invaded by the photos someone has posted on social media. I believe that life is to be lived and I may be willing to do something 'in the moment' but not want that moment to live on in perpetuity on the internet. However, phones with cameras and quick access to social media allow for fleeting moments to last a lifetime. What I may be willing to do for a laugh at a family picnic I may not want to relive every day of my life.
Digital citizenship to me in my professional life means several things. First, as a future educator, I think we have a duty to help transform technology from entertainment to powerful educational tool. We need to have students see their smart phones beyond Snapchat. Second, I need to seek out sites that show the exciting parts of the internet. When you wade through a lot of the noise, you can find amazing things such as Back Story or History Today. I also need to model good online behavior in what I post and choose to link to.
In my personal life, it is much easier. I am not a big user of social media in my personal life, so it is relatively easy to keep it professional. I much prefer face to face conversations and books you can hold in your hands in my personal life.
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