Learning objective
- Know the different methods of digital communication and understand how the capabilities of each differs.
- Understand the rules for using each type of digital communication.
- Understand that misusing digital communications can have a negative affect one's future and the future of others.
digital commuication overview
The need for humans to communicate has always been key to our ability to survive and thrive throughout history. It's the way any and all information is passed. Simply stated, digital communication is just exchanging information through electronic means.
Cell phones, the internet and countless applications make instant communication with anyone in the world a possibility. While these capabilities are nothing short of amazing, the types of information and the speed it can be shared can have negative consequences. Prior to digital communication, information (or emotions) we shared in person, or through handwritten words. The speed that these types of communication took place was usually not instantaneous. At first that may seem to be a drawback, but that delay provided a person with the opportunity to think through what they were going to say and potentially avoid communicating something they would later regret. Digital communication's rapid speed does not include a safeguard to require someone to take that same care in what they say. According to Ribble (2015), too often, people send emails, texts, or posts without considering who might see them or how they may be interpreted. To make matters worse, these digital communications can be permanent and be very difficult to remove from their posting. The issue is compounded even further by the fact that according to Selingo (2004), more and more parents believe their children must have a cell phone. Providing tools to young people with little to no understanding of digital citizenship can lead to unfortunate consequences.
As the use of these technologies continues to grow, it becomes more and more important that we teach digital citizenship to new users.
Cell phones, the internet and countless applications make instant communication with anyone in the world a possibility. While these capabilities are nothing short of amazing, the types of information and the speed it can be shared can have negative consequences. Prior to digital communication, information (or emotions) we shared in person, or through handwritten words. The speed that these types of communication took place was usually not instantaneous. At first that may seem to be a drawback, but that delay provided a person with the opportunity to think through what they were going to say and potentially avoid communicating something they would later regret. Digital communication's rapid speed does not include a safeguard to require someone to take that same care in what they say. According to Ribble (2015), too often, people send emails, texts, or posts without considering who might see them or how they may be interpreted. To make matters worse, these digital communications can be permanent and be very difficult to remove from their posting. The issue is compounded even further by the fact that according to Selingo (2004), more and more parents believe their children must have a cell phone. Providing tools to young people with little to no understanding of digital citizenship can lead to unfortunate consequences.
As the use of these technologies continues to grow, it becomes more and more important that we teach digital citizenship to new users.
connections to Personal experience
As a former middle school principal, I unfortunately witnessed countless incidents of digital communications being used for the wrong reasons. Usually negative posts made about a classmate that resulted in unintended negative results. Comments made about someones appearance, economic status, or sexuality that had been viewed and shared throughout the school led to drama and distractions from teaching and learning. It was common for the person who made the post to regret doing so. Had they thought about what they were doing, and how it impacted them and others, they would not have done it. More education about digital citizenship and how to use communications properly could have stopped some of the problems we encountered.
Based on what you just read you probably think I am anti-electronic devices, right? Well, I am not. During my time as an administrator, I worked with staff and students to achieve a "compromise" on device usage, and gave teachers full authority to allow devices to be used in their rooms for academic purposed. Many took advantage and discovered that when students are given guidelines and expectations, these tools can provide learning opportunities not possible with traditional tools.
Based on what you just read you probably think I am anti-electronic devices, right? Well, I am not. During my time as an administrator, I worked with staff and students to achieve a "compromise" on device usage, and gave teachers full authority to allow devices to be used in their rooms for academic purposed. Many took advantage and discovered that when students are given guidelines and expectations, these tools can provide learning opportunities not possible with traditional tools.
Connections to field and/or discipline
The example I shared above dealt mostly with emotional and disciplinary consequences of inappropriate digital communications. In addition, according to Ribble (2015), there are other examples of inappropriate and appropriate digital communication:
Appropriate uses of digital communication:
- Unauthorized texting and social media use during school time.
- Using text shorthand (LOL) for completing assignments.
- Sharing answers to tests via text, etc.
- Sexting - inappropriate pictures of oneself in a sexual context.
- Bullying/berating of others (especially done anonymously)
Appropriate uses of digital communication:
- Students and teachers use digital communication devises when they will not interrupt school or classroom activities.
- Digital technologies used in to support learning activities such as shared writings or permitted collaboration.
- Teacher blogs and social media to inform parents of upcoming activities.
NPR Broadcasts
Why Women Get the Worst of Internet Bullying
November 16, 2014
Runtime: 7:34
Life online can be brutal, especially for women. In this For the Record segment, NPR's Rachel Martin talks with three women who have been harassed and threatened on the Internet. The more visible someone is, the more likely a target of harassment. And on Twitter or Facebook, that harassment can sometimes be frightening.
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/16/364479377/why-women-get-the-worst-of-internet-bullying
November 16, 2014
Runtime: 7:34
Life online can be brutal, especially for women. In this For the Record segment, NPR's Rachel Martin talks with three women who have been harassed and threatened on the Internet. The more visible someone is, the more likely a target of harassment. And on Twitter or Facebook, that harassment can sometimes be frightening.
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/16/364479377/why-women-get-the-worst-of-internet-bullying
When Jeremiah Couldn't Take More bullying, He Took His Life
January 31, 2014
Runtime: 3:06
At 14, Jeremiah towered over his classmates. His size and his struggle with a learning disability made Jeremiah a target for bullying. In 2009, he took his own life.
http://www.npr.org/2014/01/31/268996343/when-jeremiah-couldnt-take-more-bullying-he-took-his-life
January 31, 2014
Runtime: 3:06
At 14, Jeremiah towered over his classmates. His size and his struggle with a learning disability made Jeremiah a target for bullying. In 2009, he took his own life.
http://www.npr.org/2014/01/31/268996343/when-jeremiah-couldnt-take-more-bullying-he-took-his-life
Making Permanent Digital Records No So Permanent
December 4, 2012
Runtime: 3:42
The Internet is forever — and so are texts, tweets and Facebook updates — but a startup has big ambitions to bring privacy and impermanence to online communication. The company, called Wickr, lets users decide how long a message lives.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/04/166464858/online-privacy-fix
December 4, 2012
Runtime: 3:42
The Internet is forever — and so are texts, tweets and Facebook updates — but a startup has big ambitions to bring privacy and impermanence to online communication. The company, called Wickr, lets users decide how long a message lives.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/04/166464858/online-privacy-fix
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know (3rd ed.). Eugene, OR: International Society of Technology in Education.
