Journal #1: "Passport to Digital Citizenship"

By: Mike Ribble

The article “Passport to Digital Citizenship” discusses the journey we embark on as teachers, students, administrators and parents while trying to teach and learn the appropriate uses of technology. The article tells us what digital citizenship is, and explains nine different elements of it. These elements, according to Mike Ribble, are “key to the concept of digital citizenship.” Within the article are four steps in the framework of learning technology that I think are a great way to explain how technology use should be taught. Technology can be a blessing or a burden, and which way you lean depends on how you were taught about using technology and how well you retained that knowledge.

Q1. How can I encourage the use of technology for a student who is already hesitant about learning it?
A1. Because technology is never the same for more than a minute, it can be difficult to learn and teach. However, if a student were hesitant to learn about technology and how to use it, I would show them the fun side. Show them the interesting facts they can find on the internet, and the fun games they can play. For older students, show them the amazing presentations they can make for their classes if they only learn how to use the technology.

Q2. As an elementary school teacher, how do I plan to incorporate the nine elements of digital citizenship into my classroom?
A2. Although the use of technology may be few and far between in a younger classroom, I hope to be able to incorporate some lessons involving technology. The elements that I would probably include most are the capabilities of using technology and the exchange of information. I would do this by using computer lab time to show my students the different fun things you can do with a computer and explain how and when to use those things appropriately.


Ribble, M (2009, January). "Passport to Digital Citizenship". Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved 2/2/09, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/DecemberJanuaryNo4/36414r.pdf