Why Digital Citizenship Education Is Important and How We Can Make It More Inclusive

Politics. Elections. The pandemic. Unemployment. Climate change. Religious intolerance. Social justice. Income inequality. These are just a few of the issues that are affecting people every day—and a few of the topics that young people might encounter online. But are they prepared for it?

Digital environments are the new public square—where people get access to, distribute and produce information in order to exchange facts, opinions and ideas; participate in work, business and education; and engage in democracy, among other things.

But just as easily as you might buy some clothes, create a funny video or start a petition to address a community problem, someone could also spread false information, open themselves up to hacking and be extremely hurtful to others.

The Type of Curriculum Students Need

Providing guidance in schools through age-appropriate digital citizenship curricula can help prepare young people to be responsible (digital) citizens.

A digital citizenship curriculum might focus on skill building, such as:

1. Establishing good habits around creating and managing digital identities.
2. Thinking critically and analytically about different types of information and sources.
3. Respectfully engaging with a variety of people, opinions and experiences.
4. Responsibly sharing information, including personal information, online.
5. Using digital tools to solve problems and bring about positive change.

Or what do you think a digital citizenship curriculum should include?

One thing is certain, however: digital citizenship education is more important than ever, no matter what language a student speaks.

Digital Citizenship Education for All

When different curricula are translated and adapted for use with English Learners (ELs), allowing them to learn in the language that they currently feel most comfortable in, digital citizenship curricula shouldn’t be left behind and untranslated. Especially since some students may not have digital access at home or the opportunity for any digital citizenship education from their parents.

Digital literacy and digital citizenship are defining the generations now and they will continue to define the generations to come. A good, accessible digital citizenship curriculum is one of the best opportunities we have to properly equip students for their future.

Are you ready to help all students get ahead?

Foreign-Language Expertise

Responsive Translation is an experienced provider of high-stakes translation. We translate and adapt all types of assessments and curricula for K-12 education. For more information about our range of foreign-language services, please get in touch at 646-847-3309 or [email protected].