This article discusses our ever evolving world. Specifically the digital world in which we must set parameters to meet expected behavior that is socially responsible within this society. According to Galera, Munoz & Pedrosa (2017), “Social networks have provided a world of infinite possibilities for their users: the ability to socialize, to be informed, to contribute socially with positive attitudes of solidarity and empathy, to be trained intellectually, etc.” This ability does not come without risks though. The responsibility of being a digital citizen.
People who actively use social networks receive a lot of attention and messages are directed towards them. These messages demand citizen participation. Social movements now work through this media and as numbers grow with the cause the demands of these movements must be met. According to the authors, “Networks allow young people to channel and extend their social commitment to others” (p. 138). Social media is the way of our young citizens. This digital world is where they will be. It is imperative for educators to understand these concerns and expectations of how students learn and interact with each other. Education must be aligned with this form of citizenship for our students to place value within their life.
This is a risky place to interact because we must first teach students how to interact appropriately in this environment. Teachers can show and tell what is right and wrong, but it is harder to monitor these behaviors because the makeup of the digital world is so big. When students have been taught and can show they can be productive digital citizens a whole new world of learning can take place.
Implementation of this digital world could look very interesting for physical education. We could create fitness movements within our school through social media (platform pending). This could also be a great way to get parents involved as well. Kids could post homemade workouts and challenge other students to do them. They could upload videos on how to perform new exercises. Sharing games that they created that could be played at home with a small group of friends. This digitally social world could be very powerful for my students to jump on the fitness for life train.
Galera, M. D., Muñoz, C. F., & Pedrosa, L. P. (2017). Youth empowerment through social networks. Creating participative digital citizenship. Communication & Society, 30(3), 129-140. doi:10.15581/003.30.3.129-140
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