Page 65 - digital citizenship

The urgency of such educational initiatives is
underscored by a Pew Research Survey revealing that 44
percent of adults aged 18 to 49 report they are online
almost constantly. Schools are thus faced with ensuring
students are adept at engaging with digital tools in a
manner that is both ethical and informed, regardless of
their starting level of digital literacy or the extent of their
technology access outside the classroom.

“As more and more of our important life moments
happen in online spaces, it is critical that we are also
preparing young people to be meaningful contributors to
our digital world. Digital citizenship is about far more
than just helping kids be safe online; it’s about
empowering them to use technology to solve real-world
problems, to know how to balance their time between a
variety of online and offline activities, to be curious
learners and to use digital tools to deepen their
relationships with their family and friends,” says Richard
Culatta, CEO of ISTE and ASCD.

Understanding the importance of digital citizenship led
to the development of five competencies by the ISTE-led