1. Computer Literacy – Grade 8
Digital Citizenship
Computer Literacy – Grade 8

2. Who is a digital citizen?
YOU!
Basically, a digital citizen is anyone who uses digital tools such as computers, cell phones, or the internet in their work, home, school, or recreation. Just like citizens of a city have to adopt rules and standards of behavior in order to live together, those of us in the digital world should do the same.
There are general guidelines we can all follow in order to stay safe and work well in the digital world. These guidelines are outlined in the elements of digital citizenship.
(got from Pensacola Catholic High School Computer Applications Class website)

3. 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

4. Digital Access
Full Electronic participation in society- All people should have access to technology no matter who or where they are.
What does this mean?
Making sure that students have equal access to digital tools
Providing time and equipment for students with special needs
Making students aware of locations and resources to use when not at school

5. Digital Commerce What does this mean?
Electronic buying and selling of goods – legitimate and legal exchanges are happening, but buyers need to be aware of issues associated with online purchasing of goods.
What does this mean?
Using computers to buy and sell items on commercial and auction sites
Subscribing an purchasing media using tools like iTunes
Being a savvy and smart shopper

6. Digital Communication
Electronic Exchange of Information – Everyone can communicate with everyone, everywhere
How do we communicate?
Cell phones
Instant messaging
Text messaging
Web pages/blogs/wikis
Make appropriate/wise choices

7. Digital Literacy What does this mean?
The process of learning about technology and the use of technology – building searching and processing skills to be knowledgeable users of technology.
What does this mean?
Learning the basics of using a computer
Evaluating online resources to make sure they are truthful and accurate
Learning how to find information on a specific topic on the Internet

8. Digital Etiquette What does this mean?
Electronic standards of conduct or procedure – Learning appropriate conduct while communicating or searching the Internet.
What does this mean?
Using technology in a way that doesn’t affect others negatively
Using technology only when it is appropriate
Respecting other online by not posting information that is untrue or harmful
Becoming responsible digital citizens.

9. Digital Law What does this mean?
Electronic responsibility for conduct or procedure – This deals with ethics of technology within a society.
Unethical = theft/crime
Ethical = law abiding cyber citizen.
What does this mean?
Understanding how to use and share music, photos, and movies legally
Creating original works that are free from plagiarism
Respecting the privacy of others and the integrity of networks in terms of passwords and data
There are laws/rules that users need to be aware of.

10. Digital Rights and Responsibilities
Those freedoms that extend to everyone in a digital world – there is a basic set of rights that every digital citizen has – privacy, free speech, etc…
What does this mean?
Following Acceptable Use Policies
Using technology responsibly
Reporting inappropriate use of technology and resources
Just like in the Bill of Rights there are certain rights people also have on the Internet.

11. Digital Health and Wellness
Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world
What does this mean?
Using proper hand placement and posture when keyboarding
Balancing time spent using digital tools with time offline.
Eye Safety, good posture, ergonomics - Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.

12. Digital Security What does this mean?
Electronic precautions to guarantee safety – protecting our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm
What does this mean?
Protecting hardware and network security by using secure and secret passwords
Protecting personal security by not posting personal information online
In any society there are people who steal, deface, and disrupt other people. It is true for the digital world as well. We can’t necessarily trust other members of a community for our own safety. We put locks on doors, and alarms on houses to provide a level of protection. The same must be true of the cyber world.