Being a good citizen is something that everyone should be striving for; however, it has extended online. I grew up and still follow a set of protocols that shaped me into a citizen from birth. My first teachers were my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and community members, each having and sharing a role in shaping me into a good citizen. Today, teachers have taken on a new position and share responsibility for their student’s learning about this new concept entitled “digital citizenship.” I recall being in school when a chalkboard was the only tool used to teach students, and the lessons being repetitive. Today’s teachers have taken on a different role, with technology being a tool that can be both useful and harmful to students. In last week’s class, I spoke about incorporating the seven grandfather teachings with Mike Ribble’s nine elements of digital citizenship into my education. Knowing these and having lived these seven grandfather teachings has allowed me to adapt to this new concept, navigating both worlds. I feel that as a parent, there is a need to make sure my child is safe while online; therefore, I need to learn more about digital literacy and the protocols that come with it. I am learning about digital citizenship and what I have to do as an educator and parent to ensure that my child and students follow these.
The school division, which I am indigenous education coordinator, has a digital and technology department as part of the student success team. The team works with new and current teachers in incorporating technology into the schools. We have invited various experts to share their experiences on digital citizenship, and it uses schools. We have started a land-based learning course utilizing the seven grandfather teachings, and it wasn’t until recently that I introduced the concept of combining the two citizenship concepts. By combining these protocols, students will learn how to be good citizenships both outside and inside the classroom.
Jeffery Cappo's Digital Journey 
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