UNIT III.

21ST CENTURY LITERACIES

Lesson 14. Cyber/Digital Literacy

The turn of events bringing about the digital age has introduced various challenges. Learners
now face a wide range of difficult issues like cyberbullying, internet addiction, and online
privacy concerns that the previous generations never had to think about. With such, leaders in
education, school officials, teachers, and parents are called on to add the whole new idea of
cyber literacy and digital citizenship in the curriculum. Being respectful and responsible in doing
what is right are key elements in digital citizenship yet students should learn how to apply them
to the realities of digital age.

In this part of the module, you will come across the definition of cyber citizenship and the things
expected from you as digital citizens. You will also be oriented on how to use social media and
internet responsibly. Cyberbullying and other cybercrimes will also be discussed and even the
things you need to know in researching and evaluating the web.

1. Cyber Citizenship in the Digital Age

Learning Objectives

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

1. define what cyber citizenship is,
2. analyze the nine elements of digital citizenship and apply them in real
life situations,
3. compare and contrast a good citizen and a good digital citizen, and
4. share their commitment towards becoming a good digital citizen.

Presentation of Content

Digital citizenship, also referred to as cyber citizenship, is a term adopted and used to discuss
interrelated concepts. From the concept of citizenship, digital citizenship can be viewed as the
quality of an individual’s response to the digital communities where they belong. It is a term
used to frame the protection of children from online dangers such as cyber bullying and the like.
To others, especially those concerned with the protection of intellectual property, digital
citizenship is a means to combat piracy. Below are other definitions of cyber citizenship.

Definitions aligned with child safety:

 Digital citizenship is about ensuring “safety to enable [children] to have the opportunity
to form and to create relationships online that are healthy, that are productive, and
ultimately will become the foundation for what we call digital citizenship.” (Family
Online Safety Institute, http://www.fosi.org)
 “Digital citizenship is about creating safe, secure, and ethical users of internet. It’s about
hildren’s right and responsibilities online. It’s about their safety, their security, and their
values, the judgments that they make and the decisions that they make online. (Children
International, http://digizen.org)

Definitions aligned with intellectual property rights:

 “Digital citizenship refers to the rights and responsibilities involved with the use of
technology. Learning to use technology appropriately and respecting creative rights is
necessary in a world that is immersed in technology.” (Microsoft,
http://www.digitalcitizenshiped.com)
 Good digital citizenship centers around demonstrating “respect for intellectual property
and responsible use of the internet.” (Recording Industry of America, http://www.music-
rules.com)

Digital Citizenship as an Educational Concept

American educator and author Mike Ribble spent more than a decade working on the topic of
digital citizenship. He defines digital citizenship as an understanding of “human, cultural, and
societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.” For him, digital
access is the first element that is prevalent in today’s educational curriculum.
Ribble has put forward nine elements that he considers central to the concept of digital
citizenship and the implementation of related classroom curriculum:

Photo from fitefuaite.com

1. Digital access. This is one of the most important factors in becoming a digital citizen.
It focuses on raising awareness on the issues that may affect the access of students to
technology such as socioeconomic status, location, and special learning needs. Digital
access may be available in some remote areas through cyber café or internet shops.
2. Digital commerce. This is the ability of users to recognize that part of the economy is
regulated online. It provides information about buying and selling goods online the
safe and responsible way. It also deals with the discussion on identity theft, online
auctions, deceptive sellers, and the use of credit cards/debit cards.
3. Digital communication. This element focuses on the electronic exchange of
information. It addresses the appropriate uses of the different online mediums (email,
instant messaging, blogging, etc.) and their distinct purposes and audiences.
4. Digital literacy. This deals with the understanding of how to use various digital
devices. It addresses the learners’ technological capabilities and their ability to think
critically about web communication and content.
5. Digital etiquette. The focus is on the standards of conduct that are appropriate in the
digital society like how to mindfully use technological devices in public and the
appropriate behavior and way of communicating for online transactions.
6. Digital law. Included here are the legal rights and restrictions governing the use of
technology. Child safety concerns and intellectual property rights are issues involved
here.
 7. Digital rights and responsibilities. All who participate in the digital community have
privileges and freedoms however, there are also behavioral expectations from them.
The issues of privacy and free speech are covered in here.
8. Digital health and wellness. This covers the physiological (eye strain, carpal tunnel)
and psychological (technology addiction) impacts of regular and prolonged
technology engagement.
9. Digital security. This reminds all digital citizens to protect personal safety and
network security by practicing the use of password, virus protection, and even
backing up data.

The Digital Citizen

Photo from virtuallibrary.info

A digital citizen is a person using information technology (IT) in order to engage in society,
politics, and government (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_citizen). He/she is someone who
use the internet regularly and effectively as defined by Karen Mossberger, one of the authors of
Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation.

There are three principles that were developed by Mark Ribble to teach digital users to
responsibly use technology in becoming a digital citizen: respect, educate, and protect. Each
principle contains three of the nine elements of digital citizenship:

1. RESPECT. Etiquette, access, and law are the elements used to respect other digital
users.
 2. EDUCATE. To learn about the appropriate use of technology in the digital world, the
elements literacy, communication, and commerce are used.
3. PROTECT. It is important for digital citizens to remain safe in the digital and non-
digital world hence the elements of rights and responsibilities, security, and health
and wellness are important.

Presented below is the characterization of a good citizen and a good digital citizen as emphasized
in the Infographic on Citizenship in the Digital Age
(https://elearninginfographics.com/citizenship-digital-age-infographic/):

A GOOD CITIZEN… A GOOD DIGITAL CITIZEN…

1. Advocates for equal human 1. Advocates for equal digital

rights for all. rights and access for all.
2. Treats others courteously and 2. Treats others with respect in
never bullies. online spaces and never
cyberbullies.
3. Does not steal or damage other’s 3. Does not steal or damage
property and other people. others’ digital work, identity or
property.
4. Communicates clearly, 4. Makes appropriate decisions
respectfully, and with empathy. when communicating through a
variety of digital channels.

5. Actively pursues an education 5. Uses digital tools to advance

and develops habits for lifelong their learning and keeps up
learning. with changing technologies.

6. Spends and manages money 6. Makes responsible online

responsibly. purchasing decisions and
protects their payment
information.

7. Upholds basic human rights of 7. Upholds basic human rights in

privacy, freedom of speech, etc. all digital forums.

8. Protects self and others from 8. Protects personal information

harm. from outside forces that might
cause harm.

9. Proactively promotes their own 9. Proactively limits health risks of

physical and mental health. technology, from physical to
psychological.
2. Responsible Social Media and Internet Use

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

1. Define social media.
2. Understand the concept of digital footprint.
3. Trace their own digital footprint.
4. Ensure that their digital identity is managed.
5. Use social media and internet responsibly in real life situations.

Presentation of Content

In 2019, Merriam-Webster defined "social media" as "forms of electronic communication (such

as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online
communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)."
It could simply be said that social media is a website or application that allows you to create and
share content while engaging with other users.

Social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter has absolutely revolutionized
our world. They have gained a strong hold in our everyday life since they can be great ways of
staying in touch with friends and family and even to professional networks. If used well, they can
add to the learning experience. For the youths, support and guidance in the responsible use and
navigation is helpful.

Digital Footprint

Photo from medium.com

Digital footprint or digital shadow refers to your unique set of traceable digital activities, actions,
contributions and communications manifested on the internet or on digital devices
(www.wikipedia.com). It can be classified as passive or active. A passive digital footprint
includes data collected without the knowledge of the owner while active digital footprints are
created when the user releases personal data for the purpose of sharing information about
oneself.

Simply, we can say that your digital footprint is the data trail left by your interactions in the
digital world. It’s a record of what you said, what was said about you, what you liked, retweeted,
or shared, and even where you are or where you had been. These details are often used for
background and character checking, or even for others to gather information about you in order
for them to impersonate or commit fraud. You also have to remember that although it is not
publicly known, there is also a record of what you’ve clicked on, what you’ve searched for, or
even you IP address. It is for these facts that you need to be extra careful and responsible in the
use of internet and social media.

Managing your Digital Identity

You as the user can decide how other people can see you in the digital world and take part in
protecting your personal information. Here are some suggestions you can follow in order to do
so.

On Facebook
1. Use settings that determine who sees your posts. Avoid making your posts visible to
“friend of friends” or even “public.”
2. Set your timeline so only your friends can see it.
3. Don’t share your personal details.
4. Everyone may see the pages you like so take care. If in doubt, you can always unlike.
5. Check regularly the functionality and privacy settings because they often change
especially after application update.

On Twitter
1. Consider your audience and your profile. You can use multiple accounts – one
account for professional or academic use, and another for informal and personal use.
2. Name your accounts intelligently.
3. Monitor your list of followers regularly.
4. Think before you tweet. You still have an option to make your account private.

On LinkedIn
 1. Your profile is public by default. Remember to set it private until such time that you
are ready to share it.
2. Put in mind that it is a professional environment. Do not link it to your personal
Facebook or Tweeter account unless for a good and justifiable reason.

Whatever social media tool you are using, always keep in mind about your privacy – that even if
there are “privacy” settings, this do not prevent contents being downloaded. Remember that the
way you use the social media makes your appearance to others. Before posting online, make sure
that what you want to post will benefit you and those who see it. Every time you use the social
media, THINK:

T – Is it TRUE? Is this post/picture/comment truthful or is it possibly based on

rumor?
H – Is it HELPFUL? Will this help you or anybody else? Or could this
potentially bring harm or hurt someone?
I – Is this INSPIRING? Is the content of what you are uploading inspiring?
N – Is it NECESSARY? Is this something that people need to know or is it
irrelevant?
K – Is it KIND? Is what you want to post kind and nice, or is it harsh or rude?

It is also good to be SMART on the internet.

S - Stay SAFE. Do not give out your personal information such as full name,
address, photos to people you are chatting with online.
M - Do not MEET up. Meeting someone you have only known online is very
dangerous. If you opt to do so, ask permission from your parents or
guardians and it would still be better if you do it with them.
A - ACCEPTING files. When you accept files sent through email, messenger,
or open files and photos sent by people you do not know, you can be in
danger because these may contain viruses or nasty contents.
R - RELIABLE. Do not believe everything you see in the internet. Check on
the reliability of the source/website.
T - TELL someone. Tell an adult (parents, guardians, teachers, or anyone you
trust) if someone or something in the internet makes you feel worried or
uncomfortable.
 3. Managing and Avoiding Cyberbullying and other Cybercrimes and Computer
Threats

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

1. Define cybercrime, cyber threat, and cyberbullying.
2. Recognize the different types of cyberbullying.
3. Empathize with the targets of cyberbullying.
4. Identify strategies for dealing with cyberbullying and ways of becoming an
upstander.

Presentation of Content

In the digital world, it is a reality that some online spaces can be full of negative, rude or
downright mean behavior. Though there are many benefits that we get in the internet, it is not
always a friend. Sometimes, it is where the enemies that attack us come from.

According to a NortonLifeLock employee, cybercrime is an ongoing threat since 2018. Every

year, new threats are surfacing that is why cybercrime continues to evolve. Any crime that takes
place primarily online can be called a cybercrime. It can range from security breaches to identity
theft.

With the constant use of technology and the growing risk of cybercrimes, you have likely heard
the terms cyberbullying and cyber threat. Do they have similarity or difference?

A cyber threat is defined as any form of intimidating online material suggesting that the author or
the penetrator may commit an act of violence, suicide, or self-harm (https://non.profitrisk.org).
cyberbullying, on the other hand, is defined by Dictionary.com as “the act of harassing someone
online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously.” It is the use of technology
to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target a person. Cyberbullying comes in many forms and most
of the time, it affects the adolescents but it does not spare all age groups.

Types of Cyberbullying
 1. Harassment. Threats and insults are repeatedly sent to a person through text messages or
on a social media platform to wear down a victim.
2. Cyberstalking. This often occurs after a failed relationship like breaking up and
rejection. It involves an assault of messages with pleas to get back together. Sexually
explicit messages or taunts can be used here.
3. Exclusion. This occurs when someone is cut out of a group or social event. It is done
with the intention to make the victim feel bad by throwing him/her out of the social
circle where he/she belonged.
4. Trolling. Posting malicious or hurtful comments in a message board or social media
against someone to provoke extreme reaction from the victim. This is often then
anonymously where the penetrator may not have any relationship with the victim.
Sometimes, they even do not know each other.
5. Impersonation. Pretending as another person and sending messages to a friend with the
intention to ruin the relationship or trust. Public posts may also be made with
embarrassing or unflattering statements.
6. Denigration. Gossip and rumors are posted with the intent of harming the reputation or
relationship of the target/victim.
7. Outing. Frequently practiced in the aftermath of a broken relationship where personal
messages with revealing information or photos are being shared.

Risk Factors

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are several risk factors
as basis in identifying the youths who are susceptible to becoming bullies or being bullied.

Children who display some of the following attributes may be more likely to bully others:
 Easily frustrated or impulsively angry/violent.
 Obsessed or very interested in discussing violence or violent behaviors.
 Have difficulties at home or low parental involvement in their lives.
 Frequently criticize peers and other youth.
 Have difficulty following guidelines and rules for acceptable behavior.
 Question authority or act defiantly toward adults or other authority figures.

Meanwhile, children who are victims of bullying often possess one or more of the following risk
factors:
 Seen as somehow different from their peers (e.g., nerdy, immature, irritating, etc.)
 Have low self-confidence or experiencing mental health challenges such as depression or
anxiety.
 Perceived as weak or incapable of standing up for themselves.
 Tend to isolate themselves from others.
 Have mental, physical, or learning disabilities.
  Identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.

When you experience being bullied, here are some ways you could do to respond:
 Ignore the messages. The more you entertain the messages of the bully, the more you
become affected.
 Block the bully. As early as possible, cut the connection between you and the bully.
 Use reporting tools. If the bully made use of a social media account, report the account
immediately.
 Take a screenshot of messages. This will serve as evidence in case the situation worsen.
 Talk to a friend or tell a trusted adult. It is always on your benefit to have someone to talk
to. It will ease the burden and will build a support group for you.

Although not all becomes the bully or the bullied, everyone can have a role when it comes to
cybercrimes particularly cyberbullying. Some digital citizens opt to be bystanders who see a
bullying or cyberbullying situation but doesn’t do anything to stop it, while others decide to be
upstanders who support and stand up for someone else, usually for the victim. An upstander in a
cyberbullying situation is someone who empathize with the victim or even the bully.