Home: Mr. B's Digital Life Skills
Digital lifeskills means learning technologies and being ready to use them. If we are inputting data; writing content, emails, plans for multimedia; creating webpages; or writing computer code amd apps, we must key well; The above video is about "The Power of the Keyboard" and why "Touch Typing" is a digital lifeskill.
Digital lifeskills means being a lifelong learner, because digital technologies change. The good news is that this change is easy when we are ready to learn. Previous learning helps with new learning.
Since we are talking about using many resources that are online, we should start with this simple fact: There are all kinds of people, information, and viewpoints online. There are good people on the Web, but there are also criminals and scammers. There are also different types of computer viruses, spyware, and and malicious software. Like visiting anyplace else - PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
The 4-Cs
Using the web means protecting yourself and others from inappropriate:
- Context
- Some things are not as they seem
- Different websites have different purposes
- Often not directly stated
- Content
- Inappropriate pictures and illustrations
- Racism and hate
- Inaccurate and misleading information
- Contact
- Threatening IM and emails
- Abusive relationships
- Commerce
- Invasion of privacy
- Advertising disguised as nonbiased facts
- Scams and other forms of theft
Don't Give Out Personal Information
Be careful what you put online - once its on the Internet, there is no taking it back. People can save data or files and much of the Internet is regularly cached and archived. It is possible to find things that have been posted andthen removed.
Don't put anything that personally identifies you online:
- Full or last name
- Home address
- Email addresses
- Cell phone numbers
- City or town of residence
- School
- Place of work
- Favorite hangouts
- Name of teams and clubs that you participate in
- Photos that are easily recognizable
- Passwords
- Credit card numbers
- Social Security number
- Mother's maiden name
- Parent's place of work
Most of us are careful of people that we meet in parks or other public places - use the same care when online. Remember, people can pretend to be anyone they want to online.
Be careful with the statements you make online too. Remember, anyone can save anything. The Internet is regularly cached and archived. Don't we all know what it is like to say something and wish we could take it back? Once something is posted on the World Wide Web, it could theoretically be there forever.
There are cases of people being denied jobs or promotions because of something that they posted online. Why take a chance? Don't make statements online that could be offensive, insulting, or indicate a strong dislike of different people, places, ideas, or organizations. These types of statements could come back, perhaps even years later, and become problems.
Use a little thought and common sense when using the Internet. Assume that the computer you are using can always be identified. Be careful visiting Websites that have many pop-ups and advertising gimmicks. Be sure to always use firewalls and virus protection software. When in doubt, DON'T CLICK!
Don't sign up for free services and email lists without having a good reason - and even then - only if you know the site to be trustworthy. When buying or selling anything online, make sure everything is fully verifiable. Remember, people get ripped off even on eBay and other popular trading Websites.
Don't open email attachments from strangers. In fact, it is a good idea to never open an email attachment unless you are expecting it. Don't download programs unless you know what you are doing and have good reason to trust the source.
It is much easier to be careful when surfing than it is to straighten out the problems from carelessly using the Internet. The Internet is a great resource, but like anywhere else you go, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Digital lifeskilla includes the web. Being careful and thinking about what you are doing and what information you give out is the first lesson in digital lifeskills.