Digital Citizenship
What is Digital Citizenship?
In today’s connected world, being a good digital citizen is just as important as showing up to class or submitting quality work. Digital citizenship refers to the responsible, ethical, and informed use of digital technologies and online platforms. For Ontario Tech students, this means engaging in academic work with integrity, protecting your personal information, and contributing positively to digital communities. As more aspects of learning and social life move online, developing strong digital habits is essential for both academic success and personal growth.
What's Included?
- Online Ethics and Academic Integrity
- Online Privacy and Security
- Respectful Online Communication
- Positive Digital Communities
- Critical Engagement
Behaving in an ethical manner is important in university, but can be challenging because of the easy, 24-7 access to high-quality online information. It can be tempting to engage in unethical behaviour because of looming deadlines or the desire to get better grades, but can damage your reputation in the long run.
Tips for behaving ethically online
- Understand what academic integrity is and what constitutes academic misconduct.
- Cite all sources of information and ideas.
- Don’t copy someone else’s work, even if you don’t know the person or who owns the content.
- Respect intellectual property by avoiding cheating sites.
- Use AI effectively and responsibly.
- Understand the university’s policies on academic misconduct and the consequences for violating them.
Top tools and resources
- Review the Ontario Tech Academic Integrity Policy
- Learn more about how the university handles academic integrity.
visibility_off Online Privacy and Security
Protecting your online privacy and securing your digital accounts is a crucial part of being a responsible digital citizen. Ontario Tech students should be proactive when dealing with their information - and that of others - online. Being mindful of what you share online helps reduce the risk of identity theft and unwanted data exposure. Remember, your digital footprint is lasting and can be viewed by future employers, graduate schools, or professional networks, so it’s important to curate an online presence that reflects your values and goals.
Tips for maintaining online privacy and security
- Follow the university’s guidelines for managing your personal information and passwords.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and sites.
- Don’t post personal information on social media.
- Be cautious about sharing real-time location information.
- Think before you post on Ontario Tech sites or social media.
- Be aware of suspicious activity online, including suspicious links or profiles.
Top tools and resources
- Read more about using MFA.
language Respectful Online Communication
Respectful communication is essential in all spaces, from online discussion forums and group chats to social media platforms. The way we express ourselves online can have a lasting impact, so it’s important to consider our tone, word choice, and audience. Practicing empathy, actively listening, and acknowledging diverse perspectives helps create inclusive and supportive online environments. Whether you're debating a topic in class or sharing ideas in a group project, approaching conversations with kindness and openness fosters stronger, more respectful communities.
Tips for respectful online communication
- Think before you post on Ontario Tech sites or social media.
- Stay on topic during online discussions.
- Disagree respectfully.
- Use evidence to support your claims.
- Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles.
Top tools and resources
- Familiarize yourself with the Student Conduct Policy.
groups Positive Digital Communities
Positive digital communities are built on respect, empathy, and shared responsibility. Whether you're participating in a class discussion board, group project chat, or student social media group, it's important to contribute in ways that uplift others and promote inclusion. Sometimes, harmful messages can take subtle forms such as ignoring someone’s input, using exclusionary language, or making assumptions based on race, gender, or ability. Recognizing these behaviours and addressing them thoughtfully helps create safer, more welcoming online environments where all students can thrive.
Tips to create positive digital communities
- Offer everyone in the group the opportunity to contribute to the discussion in various ways (e.g., with microphone, via chat).
- Avoid using exclusionary language or making assumptions about people online.
- Apologize if you make a mistake.
- Model inclusive behaviour with group agreements or community guidelines.
- Show kindness and respect at all times - even when discussing a challenging or contenious topic.
filter_alt Critical Engagement
Being a critical digital citizen means not just consuming information, but actively questioning, analyzing, and reflecting on what you encounter online. In a world of endless content, students must be able to identify misinformation, recognize bias, and assess the credibility of sources, whether for academic research, social media, or news. These digital literacy skills are essential for meaningful participation in online spaces. By thinking critically, students can contribute thoughtfully to digital conversations and help shape more informed and responsible online communities.
Tips to think critically about online material
- Learn how to recognize misinformation or bias online.
- Understand how algorithms work to amplify or silence types of content.
- Distinguish opinion from fact.
- Use fact-checking tools to verify material before sharing.
- Know and follow reputable sources.
- Stay up-to-date on current events.
Top tools and resources
- Learn more about recognizing misinformation.