Friday, February 14, 2014

Participate 1.1.1 Character Traits

Whether members of a popular online community or students in an online classroom, sometimes we all need a refresher course on what it means to be a productive member of the digital world at large. In many aspects, we are all connected and in this process of being connected we must learn how to create and contribute meaningful experiences. The most important character traits that are worth of recognizing or emulating today are compassion, respect, and responsibility. As a middle school teacher, I rarely see students take responsibility for their actions. However, this is a trait that is worthy of being emulating as a digital citizen. It is important that we learn to take responsibility for our actions when it relates to spreading misinformation or using social media to vent about a teacher or negative experience. In addition to responsibility, individuals must learn to respect the views and thoughts of others without bashing or demeaning another. Many of the current digital citizens hide behind their computer screens attacking and belittling individuals based on their personal beliefs and views. I would encourage that each member possess the trait of compassion to help combat and speak up against this type of disrespectful behavior. Furthermore, the trait of compassion goes beyond kind words to help the parent of a cancer-stricken child, but it includes the outpour of support when you cheer on a friend in a 5K or donate to the needy. By possessing the traits of responsibility, compassion, and respect in the digital world, these traits can become the anchor traits that can move our children forward into becoming productive citizens.

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