1. Being A Good Digital Citizen
What is a digital citizen? Dictionary.com defines it as “a
person who develops the skills and knowledge to
effectively use the Internet and other digital
technology, especially in order to participate
responsibly in social and civic activities.”
Let’s take a look at a few of the characteristics of a
good digital citizen.

2. Teachers, especially those of us in an online environment, need to keep up with
technology tools that can make our classroom and lessons more robust and
engaging. This should be done in a way that not only models for students the
use of emerging technology, but also affords student the opportunity to utilize
the technology as well. The use of technology has had some positive effects on
students. According to Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students,
“Technology use allows many more students to be actively thinking about
information, making choices, and executing skills than is typical in teacher-led
lessons. Moreover, when technology is used as a tool to support students in
performing authentic tasks, the students are in the position of defining their
goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress.” (US Department
of Education. Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students, 2017,
https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html#chan
ge. Accessed 3 January 2017).
Using Technology Learning Tools

3. Proper Citation - Whether MLA or APA, use of proper
citation techniques is critical. In an age when copying
pasting seems to be an easy way to show information on
topics under research, it is a serious breach ethical and
legal expectations. There are many reasons proper
citation is important. A good digital citizen is cognizant
the intellectual property of others. Giving credit to the
originators of information is a sound practice and
expectation. By not giving proper credit, an individual
becomes guilty of plagiarism, which is a very serious
offense. Consequences of plagiarism can range from
failing grades or dismissal from a learning institution to
legal action.
Proper Citation of Sources

4. Etiquette - a good digital citizen will practice the Golden Rule by observing proper digital
etiquette. As an online instructor, I feel it is my responsibility to educate students on said
digital etiquette, both through instruction and through modeling. Some important aspect
of proper digital etiquette include:
• treat people with courtesy and respect online - just like should happen in face-to-face
interactions
• not hacking others computer
• not downloading illegally
• plagiarism
• using bad language on the Internet
(Digital Citizenship. Digital Etiquette, 2017,
https://cunedigitalcitizenship.wikispaces.com/Digital+
Etiquette. Accessed 3 January 2017)
Digital Etiquette