What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital Citizenship is a critical educational area when it comes to learning. In some cases, it can be referred to as digital citizenship or even digital wellness. Digital Citizenship helps teachers, especially, technology leaders, and most importantly, parents to understand what students should know before using technology and how to use it appropriately. Digital Citizenship prepares student technology users for a society that is soon going to fill with technology.

What is Netiquette?

Netiquette also referred to as "Internet etiquette" is another way of saying knowing how to act while on the internet. This includes email, social media, forums, and chat rooms.

What should students do to be safe when using email and the Internet?

There are several things that students should do to stay safe when using email and the internet. Students should be aware not to share their addresses or passwords online. One of the chief complaints is Cyberbullying. This can be prevented by creating a sound reporting system for students and also parents to report and also to follow through on. With the new technology and software updates, blocking sites won't fix most issues. The more knowledge that students have about online safety, the less vulnerable to threats and risk they'll be.

What are copyright, plagiarism, and Fair Use?

When one sees the word plagiarism, it could set off red alarms. However, contrary to popular belief, piracy does not go hand in hand with copyright and fair use. This is because not every incident of plagiarism is related to copyright.

Copyright can be defined as the unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates the copyright's owner(s) right. This right can be anything from the right to use the content or even copy the material.

Plagiarism can be defined as the use of another's information without giving proper acknowledgment to the individual that created the information to begin.

Fair use only allows for limited use of specific copyrighted material-even if permission was not given.

Classroom Technology Rules

The internet can be a dangerous place! So It's essential to keep the Classroom Rules in mind.

Acceptable Technology Use Policy for students and parents to sign.

All parents and students must sign as an agreement of technology rules and digital citizenship.

References

Acceptable Use Policies-K-12 Blueprint 

www.k12blueprint.com/sites/default/files/Acceptable-Use-Policies.pdf

Noel, W., & Snel, J. (2012).  Copyright matters Some essential questions and answers for teachers, 3rd ed. 
Published by: Council of Ministers of Education, Canada; Canadian School Boards Association, & Canadian Teachers' Federation.