Tell me—in whatever form you wish—how your thinking about digital citizenship has changed over the course of this class (for better and/or for worse)!
My thinking did not so much change (for better or worse) as much as it expanded. For example, concepts such as ADA compliance and Fair Use, even though I was aware of them before as a practicing educator and an instructional designer, were not necessarily aligned with the ideas of digital citizenship. So, I guess, on a fundamental level, my idea of digital citizenship has broadened.
What has come to seem more important? What has come to seem less?
One of the most interesting things that happened in this class was a new connection I have made with how every aspect of digital presence, life if you will is connected with a simple idea of respect. As we explored the topics associated with digital citizenship it became apparent how the idea of respecting others permeates every area starting with Copyright and Intellectual Property (respecting ideas and creations of others) and finishing with ADA compliance (respecting the fact that not everyone has the same ability to access the digital realm and making sure to make accommodations as such.) The web is not technology, it is people. And even though a large portion of our interactions is direct with technology, it affects people, not the software.
What has come to mean less are the definitions. One of the important takeaways from this semester is the idea that there are no rigid parameters or permanent concepts as far as anything digital is concerned. For example, the definitions of what embodies Digital Literacy. As technology changes and as human relationships with technology change so do the characteristics of digital literacy. That’s why Doug Belshaw’s model for Digital Literacies appealed to me — it does not have strict parameters. It is more abstract and based on processes rather than on specific skills (Creativity vs. Creating Infographics) and thus leaves room for emerging technologies and applications of the future.
How does your current understanding of digital citizenship influence how you work and play? Have any of your work routines or habits changed as a result of things you have learned?
I am definitely trying to change my routines and habits in both work and play to be more conscientious of Creative Commons licensing and giving credit to others.
How will you be a digital citizen (or if you don’t think you will, or can, be…why)?
I honestly do not believe that there is a decision to be made whether to be a “digital citizen” or not. The digital realm has merged with the “real” life already and every person who partakes in digital activities, whether it is Facebooking or putting your resume online in a form of a digital portfolio (as much as I don’t like the term “digital citizen”) is a digital citizen. Rather the question should be “Will you take the same responsibility for your actions online as you do in real life.” This is where, I believe, the education is the key. Building digital presence, teaching responcible social behavior online, and digital literacies should be a prominent part of any educational curriculum (k-12 and Higher ed).