Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship

Mike S. Ribble and Gerald D. Bailey in their book Digital Citizenship in Schools outline what they refer to as The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship. 

1. Digital Etiquette: Students must be taught proper etiquette in online situations. Since students understand such etiquette in the physical world, it is imperative that they understand it in the context of an online environment.

2. Digital Communication: There are now a myriad options available to communicate with almost anyone online. These new opportunities pose many dangers to students, so they should be taught how to communicate appropriately online.

3. Digital Literacy: Since information is available instantaneously in most locations, students must be taught to learn in any circumstance. In addition, students must be taught how to navigate the plethora of information available to them.

4. Digital Access: Digital access deals with equity for all people in digital access. In no way should anyone be discriminated against in digital access.

5. Digital Commerce: Items once sold in the physical world are now sold in the digital world. Students should understand the implications of online transactions. In addition, students should be able to differentiate between illegal and legal transactions.

6. Digital Law: Students should understand what is legal and illegal on the Internet. In addition, students should understand the nature and extent of illegal activities on the Internet including worms and viruses.

7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities: Students should know what they can and cannot do on the Internet. They should know that they do have rights and responsibilities in the digital realm.

8. Digital Health and Wellness: Students should understand that there are certain health risks associated with the Internet, and they should learn how to avoid these pitfalls.

9. Digital Security: Students should learn how to take the proper measures to protect their information digitally.