Corporate E-Learning

The Internet has changed the way that people connect, communicate, and conduct business. The digital age has provided many benefits, but it does have a downside. Given the sheer volume of digital information that we send and receive each day, it is important to learn basic citizenship skills. These skills will help prevent missteps and keep your digital relationships running smoothly.

Mike Ribble defines digital citizenship as using technology responsibly and appropriately. Anyone who interacts regularly online automatically becomes a digital citizen. Like any other community, digital citizenship requires members to behave in a mature and civil manner. Good citizens ensure that digital users have safe and pleasurable experiences.

Being a good citizen is important both online and off. The rules of citizenship for each are similar. When using digital technology, remember to be positive and helpful, and apply what works in real life in the digital realm. If you try to be a good person, your path to becoming a good digital citizen will be much easier.

It is easy to share information online that many people do it without considering the consequences. It is possible, however, to share too much. What we put online in unguarded moments can haunt us for the rest of our lives. This is why digital citizens need to be mindful of what they share, who they share it with, and how they share it.

Digital citizenship is a large part of networking and personal branding. This requires you to monitor your online presence and be careful in the way that you present yourself. If you are proactive in your sharing, persona, and social networking, you will be able present an effective online image that helps you create social connections.

Networking and branding requires more than engaging in social media. It requires the relationship building. Digital media makes it easier to introduce people to each other, volunteer, communicate, and monitor your reputation. All of these activities are essential to your personal brand. When done correctly, you will find networking to be much easier.

Being a good digital citizen requires you to be responsible for your own security and safety. Cybercrimes happen every day. When you are online, you need to practice the same level of vigilance that you do when you are interacting in the real world. Be slow to trust new people, and keep implement security software and other precautions to protect your information.

Digital security and safety requires users to monitor email attachments, use strong passwords, back up files, and update software. Taking these steps will make you proactive in your digital citizenship and protect your personal information online.

Even though the Internet is a useful tool, it does have a dark side. Because interactions are not face-to-face, many people ignore basic civility. Harassment, trolling, and threats occur far too often online. Additionally, we all make mistakes when we address other people online. When you encounter the dark side of the digital world, you need to know how to handle the situation.

Like any other community, etiquette needs to be observed in the digital realm. It is easy to forget that actual human beings write the words we read on the computer screen. When we interact with others online, we should treat them like we would if they were standing in front of us. Keeping the topic and tone respectful will help the community run smoothly.

There is more to etiquette than being polite in conversation. It requires continuing education and the ability to evaluate what is posted online. It is equally important to understand why people behave the way that they do and that everything posted online does not automatically become public domain. Finalizing your education in etiquette will give you the tools to be an effective digital citizen.

Although this workshop is coming to a close, we hope that your journey to understanding digital citizenship is just beginning. Please take a moment to review and update your action plan. This will be a key tool to guide your progress in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. We wish you the best of luck on the rest of your travels!