Rights and Responsibilities

I believe we have the right to free speech online, right to have our information safe guarded when we put it on a business website, right to equality (any race, gender, marital status should be able to use in the same manner). I believe that as a whole a norm should be that everyone should feel as if they are safe using the digital world.

We have a responsibility to not lead our youth astray when it comes to the digital world. We need to teach them that the golden rule should apply to their online conversations and interactions even though they are not face to face with another human being. They need to be taught the digital world is a tool, but not the only means for human interact and research. We still need face to face conversations, human interaction and experiences to learn and grow as people. We as adults have the responsibility to teach the students about their digital footprint and how just because they delete something doesn't mean it goes away.

I agree with your comment that students should be taught the digital world is tool, and not the only means for human interaction and research. We do need face to face conversations. It may be easier to post something online because you are not face to face with them however we need to govern our speech whether it's stated online or in person.

Your last sentence about digital footprints is probably one of the least considered by students/youth today. I really liked Sarah Lalk's blog posting "Digital Citizen Campaign: Your Digital Footprint Matters" from Waverly Shellrock Schools in Waverly, Iowa. https://www.wsrtech.com/blog/digital-citizenship-campaign-teaching-students-about-their-digital-footprint. It also has a great image of the 'footprint' idea with the statement below it "Unlike footprints in the sand, a digital footprint cannot simply be washed away."

This is something everyone often forgets and a simple reminder to students can be an opening to discuss more digital citizenship issues with students during a teachable moment.

I agree about teaching students that the internet is a tool and not the only means of interaction. Also, about understanding digital footprint is so important and really hard for you guys learner's to understand. They also have many apps now that are disguised as something else to hide from parents. It's important for parents and educators to keep up on these dangerous apps and monitor young teens usage. They also have text messages that disappear after viewing. It is becoming more difficult to monitor children's behavior online. We have to stay involved and educated. We need to have frequent conversations with our children regarding these things.