Thing 11 Digital Citezenship

Five things I might tell my students as part of Library orientation to encourage good digital citizenship:

1 and 2 Do not be fearful; however, use caution
* This applies to both the use of the equipment as well as exploring files, folders, applications, and programs
- As instructors it is our job to teach initial, basic computer functions and rules of surfing the net and using material, applications, and programs
3 Respect for others
* Leaving the equipment in working condition
* When chatting or posting comments having an awareness of how communicating online is a very different medium (the anonymity available when using the net should be discussed)
* Email etiquette
- Ex. Do not forward emails without the senders permission (that is like placing a person on speaker phone without telling the individual)
4 Knowing the difference between material (images, text, music, etc.)that is designated as ok for sharing and what requires permission and what necessitates citing.
5 Knowing to validate material and use multiple, credible sources

If I were in the classroom I would feel obligated to address, at least quickly, the parts of the computer and basic keyboard and menu functions (although tempted, I would not want to assume any prior formal instruction). My lesson would begin with materials: The Proper Use of Technology Form (available in the Student Parent Handbook???) and the computer and possibly create a mini fun research project that addresses the 5 points of digital citizenship that I believe are important (much in the same manner that we have been doing throughout our Library 2 Play lessons).