Technology in Education - Digital Age Teaching and Learning - PDF

**UNIOSUN-EDT 105-Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age** **Technology in Education** Technology can be defined as a systematic application of scientific knowledge in solving human problems. It is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes problem solving. There are various...

**UNIOSUN-EDT 105-Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age** **Technology in Education** Technology can be defined as a systematic application of scientific knowledge in solving human problems. It is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes problem solving. There are various types of technologies which include: mechanical technology, medical technology, communication technology, electronic technology, and industrial and manufacturing technologies. Technology in education can be defined as the application of scientific knowledge through the utilization of tools, equipment and devices that can facilitate effective teaching and learning. The major concern of technology in education is the use of technological tools and media that assist in instructional delivery. **Impacts of Technology on Education** 1. **Access to Information:** Technology in education allows students access to information that can enhance their academic performance. The use of the internet allows students to acquire information which may not be available in physical libraries. The availability of online resources, educational websites and digital libraries has made it possible learners to access information beyond the physical library textbooks. 2. **Interactive and Engaging Learning:** The integration of technology into teaching-learning process has made learning more interactive and engaging. The availability of virtual simulations, educational games and multimedia presentations through the internet promotes students' interest in learning and makes learning an enjoyable task. 3. **Efficiency in Administration:** School administration has been enhance though the application of technology. Educational institutions can now communicate with students and parents using online tools such as email, text message, WhatsApp platform. Admission, registration, examination and grading of students can be done online. 4. **Skill Development for the Digital Age:** The integration of technology in education prepares students with essential skills for the digital age. This will make them to be globally relevant through improved digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills which are essential for relevance in the global labour market. 5. **Flexibility in Learning:** Online education platforms and digital resources make learning easy. Learners in different locations and from different backgrounds and capabilities can plan their learning task in line with their interest. Students can learn at their comfort zones using different online platforms such as zoom, google class etc. Learners can also access learning materials at their own comfort. 7**. Distance Learning**: Technology has promoted access to education through distance Learning. Learners who cannot attend traditional educational institutions are able to acquire education through distance learning that relies on technological tools. 8\. **Economist Advantage**: Technology can assist in reducing the cost of education by both educational institutions and learner. The expenditure on building classrooms and offices, provision of furniture, lighting, maintenance etc. can be reduced on the part of the institution through the adoption of online platform for teaching and learning. Students can also learn from their locations thereby removing the cost of transportation and accommodation. **9. Real-time assessment:** Technology tools can be used to assess students' performance. They allow for real-time assessment and immediate feedback. Teachers can track students' progress, identify areas of difficulty, and adapt instructional strategies promptly, thereby promoting a more responsive and adaptive teaching approach. **Challenges to the Use of Technology in Education** 1\. **Finance**: The initial costs of implementing technology in education can be high. A lot of money is required to provide hardware, software, and train both the teachers and students. The financial requirements may not be met particularly in developing countries where revenue allocation to education is usually small. 2\. **Isolation**: There is a risk that learners may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers and instructors in technological-based learning environment. The social isolation may not enhance the overall development of the learners in terms of attitude and values. Learners may not be able to have personal interaction with themselves and the teacher. 3\. **Inequality of Access to Education:** Using online platform for teaching and learning may disallow people in remote areas or places where there is poor internet facilities from benefitting maximally in the teaching-learning activities that are technological based. 4\. **Misuse of Technology Tools**: Learners can concentrate on the use of technology for activities which are not beneficial to learning. A lot of students waste their time on the internet accessing videos, films etc that cannot contribute to their learning. 5\. **Illicit Activities**: Some students are exposed to illicit activities due to their access to technology. Internet fraud, cyberbullying, exposure to illicit sexual act and some other crimes can be traced to exposure to technology. **Digital Learning Tools** **Digital learning tools** are the varieties of applications, websites and learning platforms that facilitate learning by connecting students, teachers, and sometimes parents in the teaching-learning process. Digital Learning Tools can assist teachers and students with teaching, learning and communication. They are mostly accessed via the internet and can be used at home or in a school settings. They can be used to prepare, support, or enrich instructional delivery. **Types of Digital Learning Tools** There are different types of digital learning tools tailored to different learning needs and styles. Here are some examples: **1. Interactive educational websites and platforms:** Interactive educational websites and platforms provide a wide range of learning materials. They allow learners to access courses, exercises, interactive learning games etc. These platforms provide a flexible learning environment where learners can set their own pace and work interactively with the material. **2. Learning apps and software:** Learning apps and software are specially developed applications that are installed on mobile devices or computers. They provide interactive exercises, quizzes, learning games and other features that facilitate learning and make the learning process entertaining. **3. Online video tutorials and lectures:** These allow learners to connect with experts on different fields of specialization by watching online videos on the subject matter. These resources provide a flexible way to discover new topics and build knowledge independent at any time or place. **4. E-books and digital textbooks:** E-books and digital textbooks are electronic versions of printed books that can be read on e-readers, tablets, or computers. Digital textbooks often offer interactive elements such as videos, audio files and interactive exercises to enhance learning. **5. Gamified learning tools:** Game-based learning tools use elements from video games to make the learning process more engaging and motivating. Through the use of points, rewards, and contests, learners are actively engaged in the learning process and can track their progress. **Tools for Teaching** 1\. **Video conferencing technology**: Video conferencing technology goes beyond video calls for virtual learning to include features such as screen sharing, interactive whiteboard tools, breakout rooms, real-time file sharing, questioning and interactive content. Video conferencing allows for remote learning, access to distance expert, engaging in parent-teacher meeting.\ 2. **Learning Management Systems (LMS):** These refer to software applications that allow educators to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning content. It provides a structured learning environment where educators can upload course materials for students to access, track students' progress, give and mark assignment, and give feedback to the students. 3\. **Assessment and quiz tools:** These allow for digitalized assessments and update students about their performance. They are forms of standardized assessment which enable educators to quickly evaluate students' performance, offer immediate feedback, and even analyze trends in students' responses over time. 4\. **Content creation platforms**: These platforms allow educators to create professional-quality educational content that can engage and inspire students. Contents are available using graphic design and video presentations. The tools are invaluable for crafting visual aids, instructional videos and interactive media that enhance the learning experience. Examples of these tools are canva which is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. It can be used to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos etc.\ 5. **Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):** These are technologies that create immersive experiences by combining the real world with digital elements. VR creates a virtual environment, while AR enhances the real world. It enables the creation of immersive learning experiences that can simulate real-world environments or historical events, making abstract concepts tangible, and enhancing student engagement through interactive and exploratory learning methods.  6\. **Collaboration tools:** These tools help teachers connect with students by enabling synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (non-real time) communication, fostering interactive group discussions, and allowing for shared access to educational resources and projects. For example, with [Google Drive](https://managedmethods.com/blog/how-safe-is-google-drive/), students and teachers can store, share, and collaborate on documents and projects in real-time from anywhere 7\. **Digital feedback tools**: These make it easy for teachers to provide timely and specific feedback on student assignments, track revision history, and facilitate a continuous dialogue about student progress. These tools often integrate seamlessly with learning management systems to streamline the feedback process and enhance the learning experience. 8\. **Lesson recording learning technologies:** These allow teachers to capture their lectures and classroom activities which enable students to revisit lessons at their convenience. This is particularly beneficial for reinforcing material, accommodating different learning speeds, and providing resources for students who may be absent or need additional review. 9\. **Learning analytics tools**: These can be used by teachers to track individual student performance, identify learning trends within the classroom, and tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of their students. Teachers can use analytics tools such as engagement metrics, performance trends, and learning pathways to better inform and tailor lessons and learning strategies more generally.  10\. **Gamification technologies**: Educational games enhance learning by introducing elements of light-hearted competition and reward into the educational process. Educational games help to increase student engagement, motivation, and retention of information, making learning a more dynamic and enjoyable experience. **Tools for Learning ** 1\. **Adaptive learning platforms**: These refer to software that modifies the presentation of material in response to students' performance. These platforms use algorithms (set of rules) to assess a student's knowledge level and adapt in real time, providing personalized resources and activities to challenge and support the learner appropriately.\ 2. **Spaced repetition tools:** These form of learning tool involves systematically spacing out study sessions over time. Spaced repetition software assists learners by reminding then on when to review specific material and providing the tools for recall. \ 3. **Video-based learning platforms:** These platforms refer to online learning tools that deliver educational content primarily through video format, generally with accompanying tools used for everything from delivering lectures to demonstrating practical skills and procedures. These platforms' features include interactive transcripts, note-taking capabilities and embedded assessment tools. \ 4. **Note taking tools:** These tools are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of capturing, reviewing and retaining information during lectures or self-study sessions. Note taking tools offer functionalities such as real-time collaboration, cloud syncing, and content organization features.\ 5. **Gamified learning platforms:** These tools facilitate improved learning outcomes by incorporating elements of play, competition, and achievement into educational activities. These platforms use game mechanics such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges to motivate students, increase engagement, and make learning more interactive and enjoyable. 6\. **Simulation tools**: Simulation tools refer to applications that create immersive, interactive environments where students can practice and apply skills in a virtual setting. The tools offer opportunities to experiment with scientific principles, solve complex maths problems, or participate in historical reenactments within a controlled, safe environment that mimics real-world scenarios.\ 7. **Mind mapping technologies**: Mind mapping technologies help student learning by allowing them to visually organize information in a structured format that mirrors the way the brain naturally processes information. This helps enhance memory retention, fostering creativity, and improving problem-solving abilities by making connections between different concepts easier to understand and recall. 8\. **Writing and grammar tools**: The tools assist students by providing real-time feedback on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. These platforms often include features that help build vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and develop a stronger writing style. \ 9. **Time management technologies**: Time management solutions help students seamlessly organize and prioritize their academic and personal tasks. These tools often include digital calendars, reminders, task lists, and project tracking capabilities etc. \ 10. **Artificial intelligence solutions**: Artificial intelligence chatbots are among the most utilized solutions. These chatbots serve as on-demand resources for students, providing immediate answers to queries, offering explanations for complex topics, and guiding through homework and revision materials. **Advantages of Digital Learning Tools** The use of digital learning tools offers numerous advantages for learners: **1. Accessibility and flexibility:** Digital learning tools are accessible at any time and from anywhere. Learners can access them from various devices such as computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. This allows students to adapt and flex their learning to their own needs and schedules. **2. Personalized learning experience:** These tools enable a personalized learning experience. Learners can choose their own pace of learning, cater for their individual needs and focus on specific topics. By tailoring learning materials to the needs of the individual, learners can learn more effectively and efficiently. **3. Interactive learning:** These tools offer interactive elements that make learning more engaging and interesting. Through interactive exercises, simulations, quizzes and learning games, learners can actively participate in the learning process and apply and deepen their knowledge. These interactive elements encourage learner engagement and motivation. **4. Diverse learning resources:** These tools offer a wealth of learning resources in a variety of formats. Learners can access e-books, videos, audio files, animations, and more. They allow learners to develop their understanding and skills in different ways. **5. Real-time feedback and evaluation:** The tools provide opportunities for immediate feedback and assessment. Learners can check their answers and solutions immediately and receive immediate feedback on their performance. This allows for quicker identification of strengths and weaknesses and helps learners work on targeted improvements. **6. Timeliness and updatability**: The tools can be used to quickly update and keep current information. By using digital media, current information, research results and developments can be integrated in real time. This ensures that learners have access to current and relevant content. **Challenges in Using Digital Learning Tools and the Solutions.** **1. Technical competence and access:** To use digital learning tools effectively, it is important to have basic technical knowledge and reliable access to the Internet. Lack of the basic technical knowledge and inefficient Internet will debar the use of digital tools. However, training and technical support can help overcome these barriers and ensure that all learners have equal opportunities. **2. Content quality: The content presented through digital tools may not be of the right quality. Therefore,** it is important to choose high-quality and trustworthy digital learning tools. The user should check the source, verify if the content is up-to-date and look for recommendations and reviews from other users. This ensures that learners access accurate, high-quality information. **3. Active participation and interaction: Learning may be passive when learners are exposed to the subject matter or content without the opportunity to interact.** Getting the most out of digital learning tools requires active participation and interaction. Learners should not just passively consume content, but also use interactive exercises, ask questions, engage in discussions, and apply their knowledge in order to enhance learning and understanding. **4. Time management and self-discipline: Using digital tools for learning requires effective time management and self-discipline which some learners may not possess.** Therefore, when using digital learning tools, it is important to have effective time management and to motivate oneself. Learners should create a learning plan, set regular study times, and stick to it. Self-discipline and commitment are critical to maximize learning success. **Digital Assessment Tools** Assessment is the systematic basis for making inferences about the learning and development of students. It is the process of defining, selecting, designing, collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and using information to increase students\' learning and development. Digital assessment tools are specialized software applications designed to facilitate assessments, creation, administration and evaluation through digital platforms. Digital assessment is based on the use of technological tools in the conduct of assignments, examinations and grading. Some of the digital assessment tools are: 1\. **Essay Grader**: This is a software tool, typically powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that automatically assesses and scores written essays, providing feedback on aspects like grammar, structure, content, and overall quality based on pre-set criteria or a provided rubric. A rubric is a scoring guide used to evaluate performance, a product, or a project. It has three parts: 1) performance criteria; 2) rating scale; and 3) indicators. Essay grader can grade a single essay within 30 seconds. 2\. **Kahoot!:** This is a game-based learning platform that turns quizzes and assessments into interactive and engaging experiences. It reviews students\' knowledge, for formative assessment or as a break from traditional classroom activities. It is among the most popular game-based learning platforms. Users create multiple-choice quizzes, surveys, and polls that can be played live or asynchronously. The platform features real-time feedback, customizable templates, and a vibrant community of users who share and access various quiz content. It well-suited for gamified quizzes, interactive learning sessionsv and formative assessments. 3\. Quizizz: This is an online platform for creating and administering quizzes, assignments, and assessments. It is used to briefly test a student\'s level of comprehension regarding course material, providing teachers with insights into student progress and the existing knowledge gaps. It offers features such as: Instant grading, detailed reports and integration with various Learning Management Systems (LMS). Quizizz is effective for conducting quizzes, assigning homework, and organizing in-class activities. Teachers can create quizzes that students can access anytime, making it suitable for formative and summative assessments. 4\. **Socrative:** It is an online tool for teachers to give quizzes and on-the-fly assessments to students. With Socrative you can create your own quizzes, quizzes are automatically graded, and you can create reports to evaluate how everyone did. It allows educators to create and deploy assessments that provide immediate feedback and analytics. Key features include: Various question types, real-time response collection and detailed reporting 5\. **Microsoft Forms:** With Microsoft Forms, one can create surveys, quizzes, and polls, invite others to respond to it using almost any web browser or mobile device, see real-time results as they\'re submitted, use built-in analytics to evaluate responses, and export results to Excel for additional analysis or grading. It offers customizable templates, automatic data collection, and integration with other Microsoft applications like Excel and Teams. Microsoft Forms can be used for surveys, quizzes, and feedback forms across various educational settings. It is beneficial for creating assessments that integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools, facilitating data collection and analysis. The tool is also effective for gathering student feedback and conducting evaluations.. 6\. **Edpuzzle:** It is a digital tool that allows educators to create interactive video lessons by embedding questions and quizzes into video content. It provides features such as tracking student engagement and progress and integrating with various (Learning Management System (LMS) platforms. It is ideal for creating video-based quizzes and interactive lessons that enhance student engagement through multimedia content. Educators can use it to deliver lectures, incorporate quizzes within videos, and monitor student understanding and participation in real-time. 7\. **Flipgrid**: It is a video discussion platform that allows students to create and share video responses to prompts and assignments. A prompt is a cue or suggestion that helps people focus on a topic, task or purpose. Prompts can be used to help people write, speak, or interact with machines. It supports video discussions, peer feedback, and student presentations, fostering a collaborative learning environment. It is effective for video discussions, peer feedback, and student presentations. It enables students to express their ideas and perspectives through video. 8\. **Formative**: It is an assessment tool designed for real-time formative assessments, interactive lessons, and assignments. It provides features such as: Instant feedback, data-driven insights and Integration with various LMS platforms. Formative is suitable for conducting real-time formative assessments, interactive lessons, and assignments. It allows educators to assess student understanding continuously and adjust instruction based on data-driven insights. The tool supports various question types and interactive content, enhancing the assessment experience. 9\. **Nearpod:** This is an interactive platform that offers multimedia content, quizzes and virtual field trips. It allows educators to create engaging lessons with interactive elements and real-time student responses. Nearpod is ideal for interactive lessons, quizzes, and virtual field trips. It enables educators to deliver engaging content and assess student understanding in real-time. The platform\'s multimedia capabilities and interactive features make it suitable for various educational settings and subjects. 10\. **Classkick**: This is an interactive platform for creating and managing assignments, providing student feedback, and facilitating peer review. It offers real-time collaboration and instant feedback features, making it suitable for various educational activities. Educators can use it to create tasks that students complete in real-time, while providing immediate feedback and facilitating peer interactions. The platform supports collaborative learning and enhances the assessment process. **Benefits of Digital Assessments** 1\. **Flexibility in Assessment Delivery**: There is flexibility in delivery. Students can take assessments from virtually anywhere, whether at home, in a designated testing center, or on their devices. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for learners facing geographical, physical, or scheduling constraints. Students living in remote areas or those with disabilities can participate in assessments without the need for travel, thus democratizing access to education.  2\. **Personalized Learning:** They allow for personalized exam settings. They allow for the setting and timing of assessment in a customize way. That is, in a way that suits individual student needs. 3\. **Reducing Exam Anxiety**: The ability to conduct assessments at any time can reduce students\' anxiety. Digital assessments can be designed to allow for practice runs or low-stakes testing, enabling students to build confidence before the actual evaluation. Example of low-stake testing in the UTME mock examination. 4\. **Enhanced Security and Integrity**: They help to maintain the integrity of the evaluation process. Unlike traditional paper-based exams, which can be susceptible to cheating and security breaches, digital assessments utilize various technologies to ensure a secure testing environment. Features can detect suspicious behaviour and prevent unauthorized access to resources in an evaluation, such as: Remote proctoring, browser lockdowns and AI monitoring. They also reduce the possibility of bias in grading. 5\. **Immediate Feedback and Results**: Students can have access to their result instantly or without much delay. Unlike traditional assessments, where students may wait days or weeks for results, digital platforms can automatically grade certain types of questions, such as multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank and provide instant feedback.  6\. **Enhancing Learning Through Real-Time Insights**: The opportunity for students to access their result on time can facilitate more effective learning process. Immediate feedback is crucial for learning, as it helps students identify areas of strength and weakness in real-time. This timely information empowers learners to take corrective actions and focus on specific skills or knowledge gaps before moving on to new material. Educators can also use this data to tailor their teaching based on their students\' needs, enhancing the overall learning experience. 7\. **Personalized Feedback**: The ability to provide feedback in various formats can cater to different learning preferences, such as: Written comments, audio recordings and video explanations. This personalized approach to feedback can motivate students to engage more deeply with the material and improve their understanding. 8\. **Streamlined Administrative Processes**: Digital assessments significantly reduce the administrative burden associated with traditional testing methods. Scheduling, distributing, and collecting paper-based assessments can be time-consuming and labour intensive.  9\. **Cost Savings:** Implementing digital assessments can lead to significant cost savings for educational institutions. The transition from paper-based assessments to digital formats eliminates expenses related to printing, distribution, and storage of physical exam materials. The reduced administrative workload allows staff to allocate their time and resources more efficiently, contributing to cost-effectiveness. Digital assessments can minimize the need for physical testing venues, such as classrooms or auditoriums. Institutions can save on facility costs and associated overhead by allowing students to take assessments remotely. 10\. **Data-Driven Insights:** Digital assessments generate a wealth of data that can be analyzed to gain valuable insights into student performance and learning outcomes. Educators can: - Track trends over time - Identify common areas of difficulty - Assess the effectiveness of instructional strategies **Technology Integration** Technology integration is the use of technology to improve learning and teaching. It can involve using technology in the classroom to help students learn, or using technology to manage a school. It can take some of the following ways. **1. Gamified Learning**: Using games in learning make learning interesting and fun by removing the stress that can be associated with traditional classroom interaction. Games are engaging and activity based and therefore effective in facilitating learning. Using digital games allows learners to engage in online educational games using computer-based devices. **2. Digital field trips:** One of the effective ways of exposing learners to experiences beyond the classroom environment is digital field trip. It allows learners to explore parks, forests, and even national and international landmarks from the comfort of the classroom. **3. Integrate social media:** The widely use of social media by students can make the integration into classroom useful. This can be achieved by connecting students to curriculum, classroom resources, and one another. Facebook group account can be created specifically to facilitate interaction among students. Topics for discussion can be placed on social media for discussion. **4. Gather student feedback:** Using online surveys and polls to perform daily or weekly check-ins with students to get their opinions on lessons and address lingering questions or concerns can be used to assess the level of the achievement of learning objectives. **5. Creating digital content:** Creating digital content on topics in the curriculum allows students to access information in relation to their learning through digital tools. Students can be given the opportunity to express themselves through blogs, videos, podcasts, eBooks, flyers, other digital art, or any other means they feel most comfortable. **6. Using a classroom calendar:** teachers can develop a shared online calendar for their classroom through Google Calendar or a similar programme for posting important updates. Post assignment due dates and classroom events (such as field trips and guest speakers) in one easily-accessible location for both teachers and students. Such calendar can further be shared with parents and caregivers to keep them connected and engaged with their child's learning. **7. Review and critique webpages:** While there are a lot of information on the web, it is also true that some of the information may not be from reliable sources. Students can be assigned to assess and analyse the reliability of web pages and online information based on some criteria. **8. Video/multimedia lessons and presentations:** Lessons can be presented to students by incorporating visual effects, photos, videos, and music into them. Developing slideshows and digital presentations, playing music or a video for background and context while presenting, or inviting virtual guest speakers to engage with student through audio and video conference.. **9. Online activities for students who finish work early:** Online learning stations can be set up to encourage and support students working at their own pace. If a student finishes an assignment early, rather than being stuck waiting for other students to catch up or class to end, students can extend and enhance their learning by visiting a learning station and watching videos, playing learning-based games, or exploring other online activities related to their studies. **10.** Online grading Systems: Evaluation is a key element in education that helps teachers, administrators, parents, and students recognize a student's strengths and areas for improvement. Online grading systems such as [PowerSchool](https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/student-information-system/eschoolplus-sis/) open and facilitate lines of communication where teachers can post grades, analyze student attendance patterns, and manage transcript data. **Digital Citizenship** Digital citizenship refers to the ability to use technology responsibly, safely and respectfully. It refers to the ability to protect private information online, reduce the risks associated with cyber threats or online threats and utilizing information and media in a respectful, knowledgeable and legal way. **It entails** responsible use of technology and the internet by following ethical norms and practices when engaging online. Good digital citizenship is essential for several reasons as it builds a safe internet environment for the users and raises cyberecurity consciousness among individuals by making them understand the danger of sharing personal information online. It further promotes a culture of respect and tolerance by fighting cyberbullying, harassment, and discrimination based on race, gender, and social preferences online. Digital citizenship ensures that users understand the limits of their online conduct and stay true to their values. It aalso leads to knowledgeable citizens who are able to distinguish credible information from misinformation, and handle the complexities of the digital world. **Principles of Digital Citizenship** The major principles of digital citizenship include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. **Elements of Digital Citizenship** 1\. **Digital literacy** This refers mainly to the ability to use technological devices, resources, and applications for accessing, selecting, producing, and sharing knowledge. It is the set of skills that include browsing web pages, handling emails, researching online content, and creating content as well **2. Cybersecurity** Cybersecurity is the main aspect of digital citizenship. It embodies various technologies and methods to secure personal information, devices, as well as networks against cyber-attacks such as hacking, malware ( a software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server or network), , phishing (a fraudulent practice of sending email or other messages using the name of reputable establishment in other to lure someone into revealing personally information) and identity impersonation. Digital citizens should proactively take on cybersecurity measures by using strong passwords, installing antivirus software, keeping tabs on software updates, and being careful when sharing personal details online. **3. Online etiquette** Online etiquettes which are otherwise known as netiquettes define the exact behaviour and communication rules that the community has set for itself. It is all about showing respect to others and being empathetic and courteous to them on online communities, social media platforms and communication channels via digital devices. The adoption of netiquette rules contributes to the development of productive online relationships, reduces quarrels and tensions. **4. Digital rights and responsibilities** Digital citizenship implies that we understand and obey the laws and rules of behaviour while online. This covers such aspects like privacy rights, freedom of speech, freedom of information, and copyrights protection. The digital citizens are also bound by some duties, e.g. preserving the privacy of others, citing sources before sharing information and adhering to copyright laws. The enforcement of digital rights coupled with the code of digital responsibility leads to a just, righteous, and fair digital society. **5. Critical thinking** This is the process of independently evaluating data and making a distinction between the reliable and unreliable sources by developing the ability to scrutinize the nature and bias of both online and offline data. In a digital environment, citizens should possess the skill to process information and distinguish between misinformation and propaganda so as to make decisions based on facts and in a rational way. Through critical thinking, individuals become better at clarifying all the types of information that are available in the digital world. ** Advantages of Digital Citizenship** Cybersecurity is simply a general term for technologies, practices and processes used to [**protect online data**](https://digitalguardian.com/blog/what-cyber-security) from unauthorized access or misuse. Everyday, people play a part in cybersecurity when they follow internet safety tips and cybersecurity best practices on the internet. **Cybersecurity Terms** **1. Data Breach** A data breach is any incident that results in confidential data or personal information being shared, stolen or otherwise transmitted. Scammers and hackers often target business like banks and major retailers in order to access personal financial information **2. Malware** Malware is any malicious software intended to disable or infect a device's functionality. Some malware allows a hacker to control a device remotely. Users can avoid malware by using antivirus software and following technology best practices. **3. Back-ups:** Backing up data means saving a copy of the data on a separate storage device, like an external hard drive. Many people also use cloud storage to keep back-ups online. **4. Cloud Storage:** This has to do with online networks and storage. Cloud storage is distinct from local storage, which includes the computer hard drive. Cloud storage simply involves storing information on one of many remote servers located throughout the world. **Common Online Scams** 1\. **Online Dating Scams** Online romance scammers will manipulate their victims by forming an intimate personal connection and then using the relationship to try to gain access to personal and financial information. 2\. **Social Media Scams** Online scammers are always coming up with new ways to manipulate people on the internet. Be on the lookout for [**social media scams**](https://www.snbsd.com/about/news/watch-out-for-these-common-social-media-scams-in-2019) like fake profiles, catfishing, gossip clickbait, job offer scams and fake online scams. A good rule of thumb is to always check the validity of a website before allowing it to access your personal information. Never click on suspicious links, and don't fill out online forms unless the website is legitimate and secure. 3\. **Text Message Scams** Text message scams can be a combination of various other online scams, including phishing links, gossip clickbait and other misleading and malicious forms of fraud. Remember that banks, government entities and other legitimate companies will never ask for personal or financial information in a text message, so never send your private information in an unsecure text message thread. Only give personal information via legitimate and secure website portals. 4\. **Email Phishing Scams** Phishing is a form of cyber attack that entices users into clicking on a link that will compromise private data. Email phishing scams typically include enticing offers for gift cards or other free items. Always assume that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Email phishing scams are constantly changing and evolving as scammers try to come up with new ways to take advantage of people. Stay vigilant, don't click on suspicious links. O**nline Risks for Learners and Schools** 1\. **Cyberbullying**: Cyberbullying is repeated harassment, humiliation and threats directed toward a person through an electronic device. Unfortunately, learners nowadays have high exposure to cyberbullying which could lead to suicidal thoughts, attempts and suicide.  2\. **Inappropriate content:** Content can negatively affect learners if they see things that are not appropriate for their age or development. This may have a lasting impact on their mental health, especially if what they view is violent or explicit. Inappropriate content can appear in searches or as pop-up ads while viewing wholesome content. 3\. **Online predators**: Predators trying to hook child victims hang around places where the children feel at ease. The internet allows predators to conceal their real identities. This makes it easy to lure children closer through exploitative means such as playing games in a virtual world or pretending to be a peer. 4\. **Phishing:** In phishing, cybercriminals use email to trick readers into clicking malicious links or attachments. Children can be especially susceptible to "smishing," the social media and app equivalent. Even adults can be tricked into clicking on a note from a friend that reads "Check this out!" These often look like legitimate messages from friends and family.  5\. **Scams:** Children also can fall for scams offering enticing rewards, such as free access to online games or prizes awarded through a few simple keystrokes. Learners may also unknowingly overshare their own private information or a parent's credit card number through website forms or other online communication. 6\. **Identity theft**: When learners search online, they become vulnerable to their private information being viewed and stolen. Online networks can be hacked. A learner or staff member may unknowingly click on a malicious website which installs malware on the device they are using.  **Basic Internet Safety Tips** 1\. **Protect Your Personal Information With Strong Passwords** - - - - - 2\. **Keep Personal Information Private** - - 3\. **Make Sure Your Devices Are Secure** - 4\. **Pay Attention to Software Updates** - - 5\. **Be Careful About Wifi** - - - 6\. **Set Up Two-Factor Authentication** - - 7\. **Back Up Your Personal Data** - - Bottom of Form