Element Seven: Digital Rights
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital rights.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital rights.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
- Define digital rights.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital rights.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
What is Digital Rights?
Digital law is defined as those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world (Ribble, 2015). According to Ribble, when a person is a member of a digital society, they are afforded the right to use digital content while enjoying certain protections (2015). It is the right for the members of a digital society to use and enjoy digital content or post information to a website for others to enjoy without it being vandalized, stolen, or used in other inappropriate ways (Ribble, 2015).
Members of a digital society also have responsibilities to the society. As good digital citizens, members should agree to use technology according to the parameters agreed upon by members. Every society has rules and regulations by which they live and a digital society should be no different.
Members of a digital society also have responsibilities to the society. As good digital citizens, members should agree to use technology according to the parameters agreed upon by members. Every society has rules and regulations by which they live and a digital society should be no different.
Issues with Digital Rights & Resposibilities
Some issues that arise with digital rights and responsibilities in schools are making sure the students are following acceptable use policies (APU) both inside and outside of school, using online material responsibly by properly citing sources, and obtaining permissions for use (Ribble, 2015). Other issues schools could face are students using the technology to cheat on tests and assignments or having students report cyberbullies, threats, or other inappropriate behavior (Ribble, 2015).
Resolving the Issues
Some ways schools can help resolve these rights and responsibility issues are to have educators inform students of their right when using technology. Teach students their responsibilities as digital citizens, and make sure they are correctly citing websites and other digital media sources when using it for class projects (Ribble, 2015). It is also important to encourage students to report any cyber bullying they experience or witness, as well as any inappropriate material they may come into contact with.
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
July 13, 2015
An App to Stop Cyberbullying
2:06
This NPR broadcast discusses a new app called STOPit inspired by a 15 yr. old girl who committed suicide after being bullied online and off for 2 years.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.