WESTMEAD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1

MODULE 4

UNIT 6 Social, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities in the Use of Technology Tools
and Resources

Digital Citizenship
Citizenship, which is formally defined as “the quality of an individual’s response to
membership in a community.” This makes citizenship far more complex than a simple legal
matter, but rather one that consists of self-knowledge, interaction, and intimate knowledge of
a place, its people, and its cultural history (Heick, 2018). As technology continues to advance, so
does the potential to abuse it (intentionally or otherwise). Digital citizenship skills give students
the right tools to engage with the digital world in ways that promote healthy online
communities (Farmer, 2010).

Figure 1. Exploring the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

Digital Access - involves the ability to connect with others or access information using
technology.
Digital Etiquette - Digital etiquette is just what it sounds like: treating other Internet users with
respect and avoiding inappropriate behavior.
Digital Commerce - refers to buying and selling electronics responsibly.
Digital Rights and Responsibilities - refers to the privileges that all students have while using
the Internet.
Digital Literacy - the ability to learn how to use technology and access information online.
Digital Law encompasses the rules or guidelines set within an organization for using the
Internet.
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TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1
MODULE 4

Digital Communication - Text, email, social media, and online games are all ways that children
might digitally interact with others.
Digital Health and Wellness - This element involves teaching students how to protect their
psychological and physical well-being while using the Internet.
Digital Security - involves teaching students how to take steps to stay safe online.

Why Teach Digital Citizenship with Technology in the Classroom?

The benefits of digital citizenship for kids
extend far beyond the individual. When we help
students develop healthy practices on the
Internet, we’re also creating a better space for
everyone they interact with. If your students use
technology in class, digital citizenship curriculum
is one of the best ways to help everyone make
the most of their time online (Farmer, 2010).
Because technology is so prevalent in
schools, teachers often have to worry about how
to prevent cyberbullying, cell phones disrupting class, and plagiarism. Teaching digital
citizenship can be one of the best ways to decrease these and other inappropriate behaviors at
school (Ribble et al, 2004). As they become good digital citizens, students can use the Internet
with a greater sense of self-awareness and better understand how to best use technology
(Reykdal).

Figure 2. Digital Citizenship Activities and Tips

 WESTMEAD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1
MODULE 4

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights protect ownership and control over creative works or
inventions. The most common intellectual property rights include copyright, trademarks, and
patents. Copyright may apply to a wide range of creative, intellectual, or artistic works from the
moment the work is “fixed in tangible form.” Trademarks are recognizable signs that
distinguish specific products or services from others. Patents cover inventions (Missouri). The
Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 8293 aims to “promote the
diffusion of knowledge and information for the promotion of national development and
progress and the common good.”. In educational setting, this will cover the academic works
that will be used, the materials being shared to other teachers and the researches. These
materials should be credited, fair use and payment to the creator.

Netiquette
The word netiquette is a combination of ’net’ (from
internet) and ’etiquette’. It means respecting other users’ views
and displaying common courtesy when posting your views to
online discussion groups (WebWise, 2012). Netiquette represents
the importance of proper manners and behavior online.
Netiquette is the set of professional and social etiquettes that are practiced and advocated in
electronic communication over any computer network (Technopedia; Rouse, 2018).

1. Refrain from personal abuse.

2. Don't spam.
3. Write in a brief and clearly expressed manner.
4. Remember that your posts are public
5. Don't expect other people to do your work for you
6. Do not post copyrighted material to which you do not own the rights
7. Respect others’ privacy
8. Forgive and forget