9 Elements of Digital Citizenship and their Fluencies

By Adam Stevenson

The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

Element 1 - Digital AccessThis refers to full electronic participation within a society. We are often unaware of how fortunate we are to have access to technology. This access is often uneven within our society. Digital Citizenship aims is for everyone to have equal access to technology.

Element 2 – Digital CommerceBusiness has become more and more popular online. Digital Commerce refers to the electronic selling of goods and services. This allows us to have easy access to goods and services from around the globe as well as local.

Element 3 – Digital CommunicationCommunication refers to the exchanging of communication; technology has allowed us to do so electronically. This allows us to communicate anytime and anywhere allowing business or arrangements to be made faster and more efficiently.

Element 4 - Digital Literacy Although we may have access to technology not everyone has the ability to use it. Digital literacy refers to the teaching of technology and learning how to use it. Technology is constantly changing and evolving making it harder to teach and learn, leading to a digital divide.

Element 5 - Digital EtiquetteAs there are certain ways which we should behave and that is seen as acceptable, so is there ways we should behave online. This refers to Digital Etiquette, online behavior is very important as many may be effected without intention.

Element 6 – Digital LawWe are not invincible when online and so we must take responsibility for our actions online and abide by the laws for online use. Although we may see acts as harmless when online, many may be illegal and have serious ramifications.

Element 7 – Digital Rights & Responsibilities

Just as we have our human rights so do we have rights when online. This applies to to our privacy as well as freedom of speech when online. Your rights when online are as important as your basic human rights as they offer you protection and freedom.

Element 8 - Digital Health & Wellness

Technology puts numerous mount of strain on our body and it is important to use technology in a healthy manner. This can be done by using technology at a safe distance as well as using technology which is ergonomic and comfortable to use.

Element 9 - Digital SecurityPrecautions need to made when acing online. Important, confidential, information can be compromised online and put you at risk. Security is needed in order to prevent theft of personal information.

5 Fluencies of Digital Citizenship

Information Fluency

The ability to interpret large amounts of information in various formats and extract the essential information so that it can be understood more clearly. This is done by the following process: Asking, Acquiring, Analyzing, Applying, and Assessing the information.

Solution Fluency

The ability to identify a problem and see the problem clearly. This must be thought of from multiple perspectives and multiple possibilities must be visualized for the solution.

Creativity Fluency

• Identify the desired outcome and standard.• Inspire your creativity with rich information.• Interpolate and search for trends in order to get the desired outcome

which is inline with your desired outcome and standard.• Imagine a new idea.• Inspect the idea for flaws and solutions.

Collaboration FluencyCollaboration is about working as one unit, as one team. Team work provides power and support and this is greater in numbers when people are working together.

Media Fluency

The interpreting of the messages we receive on a daily basis from numerous social media platforms.