FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev.

0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 7

SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE USE OF
TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND RESOURCES

MODULE OVERVIEW

Technology has been an integral part of our lives. It has created a great impact whether we like it or
not. We have become prone to safety issues. Our privacy can be intruded. Our social relationships can be
affected. But it is not just enough that we keep ourselves safe, we should also possess the skills on how we
can act responsibly so as not to cause harm to others. Thus, this module will walk you through this issue.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Describe the community of learners as citizens who share and utilize digital materials.
2. Practice standard netiquette in sharing and utilizing shared materials among learning communities.
3. Identify examples of Intellectual Property Right in educational setting; and
4. Show, give examples, and observe social, ethical and legal responsibility in the use of technology
tools and resources.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP VS. GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

)
We are now living in an era which known and referred as digital age. In this age, technology is rapidly
changing and developing. We live in two worlds – real and digital world. Digital world is a contemporary
expression to communicate the importance of digital technology today. When we say Digital World, we are
essentially communicating that the almost entire world relates to digital technology.

So, In line with these technological advancements of 21st century, we have a responsibility to be
“digital citizen” as well as a good citizen.

Digital Citizenship vs. Global Citizenship

Since we are considered citizens of the community we live in, then as users of the internet we can
also call ourselves as citizens of the digital world where we live, learn, and work in an interconnected manner.
Digital citizenship is an idea that all persons using the internet have civic rights and responsibilities. It centers
on safe, savvy, and ethical use of technology.

Today, almost 50% of global population is connected to internet and the mobile is further driving
internet connectivity at a rapid rate. More than 68% of the connected audience (2.5 Billion out of 3.8 Billion) is
already an active social media user on the mobile. We are now also considered as netizen not only a citizen.
A netizen is a participant of online community and who uses the internet in a responsible way.

Summing up, a global citizen sees the world as a community in which all people live and prosper
together. He/she understands that his/her actions contribute to the values of entire planet and he/she is
concerned on how he/she participates in and contributes to the entire world. A digital citizen, on the other
hand, adheres to guidelines that govern the ethical and responsible use of technology and acts responsibly in
all relationships and interactions in the digital world.

When we mix these two together, it is the perfect recipe for the Global Digital Citizen. A global digital
citizen is a responsible, ethical citizen leveraging technology to foster community on a global scale through
connections and compassion. The Global Digital Citizen understands that we can govern technology for the
benefit of both ourselves and others. It is a citizen that views the world as an interconnected community.
Additionally, the digital citizen realizes that we simultaneously share technological and human experiences
regardless of culture, status, or political/religious beliefs (Watanabe-Crockett, 2017).

Technology have served predominantly double-edged function – both positive and negative. Its
function lies in how we let ourselves consumed by it because it is our responsibility to recognize how we

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

become an instrument of this digital world we live in. As exemplified, social media comes with both benefits
and drawbacks. The real threats comes on its essence not its activities or products. We, humans, it is on our
hands on how we will use the technology.

Let’s reflect. We need to step back and reassess who we were, who we are, and who we are
becoming in the midst of this digital advancement in digital age. And so, practice being a good global digital
citizen.

We define the best assets of Global Digital Citizen using 5 tenets: Personal Responsibility, Global
Citizenship, Altruistic Service, Environmental Stewardship, and Digital Citizenship (Ribble, 2017).

These 5 tenets are the essence of what it means to be a great Global Digital Citizen.

1. Personal Responsibility
Personal responsibility includes demonstrating how we manage our selves in matters such as
personal finance, ethical and moral boundaries, personal health and wellness, and
relationships of every kind, both online and offline.

2. Global Citizenship
The Global Citizen understands that technology has dissolved boundaries between all the
world’s people. We now communicate, collaborate, and celebrate across all levels of society.
We are now all global citizens.

3. Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship covers appropriate and exemplary behavior in our online environments. It’s
about working towards making our transparent digital world safe for ourselves and others.

4. Altruistic Service
Altruism is defined as “having a selfless concern for the well-being of others.” The Global
Digital Citizens acknowledge that they share this world with many different people.

5. Environmental Stewardship
This practice is all about common-sense values and an appreciation for the beauty and
majesty that surround us every day. This facet of Global Digital Citizenship encourages
exploring how we can practice the conscientious use of Earth’s resources.

Why do we need to be global digital citizens?

Personally, we face the daily possibility of online fraud identity theft and online buying. We place our
entire lives and their contents in the digital stratosphere willingly and often without considering the
consequences. The dangers of these are real. What is needed is people will advocate and demonstrate the
kind of self-governance that will keep us safe from harm both online and offline.

Globally, even as technology intertwined as we are, there is also a level of disconnection in our lives.
We are more connected than ever and yet often less tune into others than ever. Global digital citizens see that
the need that all diversity has to be recognized on earth and cherished for present and future generation.
They also see the need for harmony and connection in a world transforming as rapidly as ours.

Digitally, our internet is unchecked and growing. A good thing about it is that online information is
expanding at a staggering rate. Online perils do exist, and the global digital citizen sets an example to others
on how to navigate them safely and securely. A good helping of common sense goes a long way in this
regard.

Altruistically, we have more means to help others thanks to technology. Crowdfunding and
crowdsourcing help us give back to local and global communities. Social media can become a support
network for those of us who are in physical, mental, and emotional need. The global digital citizen can lead
the way. Environmentally we continue to face growing threat such as climate change resource depletion
industrial pollution digital pollution and more. Global digital citizens seek to combat the biggest challenges for
environmental health. They foster solutions that work to the benefit of the entire planet.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 2

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

Elements of Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship is now a component of digital citizenship and is in fact one of the facets of Global
Digital Citizenship. Under digital citizenship, there are nine elements: digital access, digital commerce, digital
communication, digital literacy, digital etiquette, digital law, digital rights and responsibilities, digital health and
wellness, and digital securities.

Digital Access
Equal digital rights and electronic access is the starting point of digital citizenship. Digital access is
supposed to be available to all in the same manner that education is made sure by the Philippines
government to be available to all citizens. Currently, on this matter, the Republic Act 10929 was signed on
July 25, 2016 requiring all public places in the country to have free internet access.

Digital Commerce
Technology users need to understand that a large share of markets is being done electronically.
Nowadays people shop through different websites and even do online transaction for banking. Many other
online transactions are accruing including the illegal downloading pornography, and others. Thus, a safe and
secure online shopping and other commercial transaction have to be done. With this, an e-commerce act or
RA 8972 was signed in July 2000.

Digital Communication
It is another element of Digital Citizenship that we seem to be embracing wholeheartedly. Digital
communication is the electronic exchange of communication which includes emailing, texting, instant
messaging, utilizing cell phones, etc. As digital communication continues to grow, it is important that we do
not forget how to communicate face to face.

Digital Literacy
As digital citizens, it is our responsibilities to develop and continually enhance our technological
knowledge. We should support and encourage the acquisition of technological knowledge by others. We
should model the positive and proactive use of technology for good causes, personal and professional growth
and education.

Digital Etiquette
This refers to the electronic standards of conduct or procedure. This is often seen as one of the most
pressing problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. Imagine a teenager who spreads hate speech about
a classmate online or one who browses Facebook while attending Mass. Browsing social media sites have
become so addictive that young people tend to lose distinction between what is appropriate and what is not. It
begins with rules. It is not enough, however, to create rules and policies, everyone must be taught to become
responsible digital citizens.

Digital Law
Digital law refers to the electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. The digital world is so huge
that there should be order, discipline, and ethical use. Plagiarism, copyright infringement, hacking of
information, identity theft are crimes that are commonly violated by online users. As digital citizens, we must
be aware of these illegal behaviors so that we can avoid them and report those who illegally engage in them.

Digital Rights and Responsibilities

“For every right, there is a corresponding duty and for every privilege, there is a corresponding
responsibility.’’ The privileges of digital access come along with responsibility. Just as the Philippines
constitution protects us with rights of being Filipino citizens such as the right to privacy, we also have the
responsibility to be cautious in our online activities such as posting our photos and videos online.

Digital Health and Wellness

Our physical and psychological wellbeing in a digital technology world should be a priority. Many
illnesses have become associated with technology use such as carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain and
childhood obesity as an effect of children's prolonged sitting in front of the computer screen. Technology has
also posed an inherent danger of addiction and threat from online predators. Thus, children and adults alike
must learn how to protect themselves as digital citizens through education and training.

Digital Security

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 3

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

How to keep one self-secure in any community is a major concern. If we keep our homes safe with
gates and locks, we also need to protect the information that we provide online with privacy setting and strong
passwords. We also need to have virus protection and backups of our data. As responsible digital citizens, we
must know how to keep our data, our money, and our identity from all hazards in the digital world.

Digital citizenship is very similar to our citizenship in our immediate community. There are social,
ethical, and legal issues involved in our day to day dealings with people and the surroundings. It is not just
about recognizing and dealing with online hazards. It is about building safe places and communities,
understanding how to manage personal information and about being savvy using our online presence to grow
and shape our world in a safe, creative way, inspiring others to do same.

NETIZENSHIP AND NETIQUETTE IN ONLINE COMMUNITIE

Netiquette is a combination of the words network and etiquette and is defined as a set of rules for

acceptable online behavior. Similarly, online ethics focuses on the acceptable use of online resources in an
online social environment.

Both phrases are frequently interchanged and are often combined with the concept of a ’netizen’ which
itself is a contraction of the words internet and citizen and refers to both a person who uses the internet to
participate in society, and an individual who has accepted the responsibility of using the internet in productive
and socially responsible ways.

Netizenship and Netiquette in Online Communities

The Philippines being considered as social media capital of the world has a need to stress social
media education and etiquette among online users. Social media can attain many things in terms of social
good.

We all create a digital tattoo and we leave digital footprints. We must remember that our digital world
is permanent and with each post we leave a digital footprint. By doing self-reflecting before we reveal, we can
consider how what we share online can impact ourselves and others.

Scrutinizing the term again, a netizen according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an active
participant in the online community of the internet. The medical dictionary first saw it as an internet citizen who
uses network resources which connotes civic responsibility and participation. Netizenship means citizenship
on the internet or in the virtual world

As responsible netizens, we are all expected to support a healthy interaction on the internet. A netiquette,
or rules of socially accepted behavior online must be observed in writing an email, in texting, and other
communications on the web.

Below are some netiquette guidelines:

1. Protect your reputation. Whether in real or in virtual world, you are the same person. Do only what is
appropriate and share information that does not harm you as a person.

2. Respect others. Respect begets respect. Treat everyone with respect even if you have not seen him/her in
person. Be judicious about what you say on your own and other’s pages.

3. Express yourself clearly and use emoticons. Communication online is difficult because emotions are not
evident during communication. Miscommunication usually takes place because your facial expression and
your body language cannot be seen, and the tone of your voice cannot be heard. Thus, emoticons readily
available to show your emoticons.

4. Remember the intellectual property. Ideas online are products of intelligence of others. If you need to cite
them, acknowledge the authors. You do not want to steal properties of others.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 4

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

5. Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Since your face cannot be seen online, you will be judged
according to your posts. Good writing means good manners. We do not want to waste other people’s time
reading our post which is incomprehensible.

6. Pause before you post. Take note that whatever you post becomes permanent. Therefore, think twice or
thrice before you click send.

7. Do not share your personal information. Sharing your personal information online is like going around the
streets wearing a shirt printed with your name, birthday, address, name of parents, etc. You do not want to
reveal all these to people. Besides, providing all these publicly will make you prone to identity theft.

8. Think about who or what you are representing. As a son/daughter, you represent your family. As a
student, you represent your school. You do not want your family or school to be put to shame by what you do.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

With your group mates, create a 5-minute Vlog entry on ways to be a better cyber citizen. The outputs will be
uploaded in YouTube.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF DIGITAL

MATERIALS

Intellectual Property pertains to any original creation of the human intellect such as artistic, literacy,
technical, or scientific creation.

Intellectual property rights aid the economic development of a country by promoting healthy
competition and encouraging industrial development and economic growth.

Intellectual Property Rights

 It is a category of property that include intangible of human intellect.
 Intellectual Property, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), refers to creations
of the mind such as inventions, literary devices, and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and
images used in commerce.

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines

 This administers and implements state policies in relation to intellectual property.

Republic Act 8293

- defines intellectual property to include copyrights and related rights; trademarks and services marks;
geographic indications; industrial designs; layout designs of integrated circuits ; and protection of
undisclosed information.

Types of Intellectual Property Rights

1. Copyrights
- Use of performance of original works of literature, art, music, drama, or any other form of expression.
-primarily for artistic and literary creations. These include sculpture, choreographic creations, music, books,
and software applications, among others.
- For materials.

2. Patents
- The use, manufacture, or the sale of inventions.
-Provide property rights on autonomous inventions.
- Patent laws protect inventors from cases of unauthorized parties producing, using, or selling their inventions.
- For inventions.

3. Trademarks
- The use of symbols, Words, names, pictures, designs or combination thereof. Used by firms to identify
products, brands, or services.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 5

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

- are constituted by symbols, designs, phrases, or words that provide distinctions between products offered by
different businesses.
- For brand identity.

4. Trade Secrets
- The privacy of data, documents, formulas, or anything that is to be maintained as confidential information.
- Any valuable information that is not publicly known and which the owner has taken "reasonable" steps to
maintain secrecy. These include information such as. business plans, customer lists, and ideas related.
- Critical in the process of ensuring that a business remains competitive and that relevant corporate
advantages are preserved.
- To protect secret information.

Copyright refers to the legal right given to the owner of the original work or intellectual property. These
“works” are original intellectual creations in the literacy and artistic domain protected from the moment of their
creation.

Nowadays, copy and paste are very accessible commands in our computer toolbars, we should try not to
violate the copyright laws otherwise we could be accused of copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is
the use of works without permission where the copyright holder has the exclusive right to reproduce,
distribute, display, or perform the protected work, or to make derivative works.

Guidelines on online use of copyrighted materials by Smaldino, Lowther and Russel (2012):

1. Contrary to popular opinion, all material on the internet is copyrighted unless stated otherwise. It is
copyrighted even if it does not display the copyright symbol.
2. An email is an original work, fixed in a tangible medium of expression that is covered by copyrighted. Hence, it
is recommended that you should not forward any email without permission, in consideration of both copyright
and Privacy act.
3. Downloading an article from a newspaper’s website, making copies, and distributing them to your students
prior to a class discussion on the topic is permissible following the current photocopying guidelines which
permits making multiple copies for classroom use. The exception would be individually bylined, copyrighted
articles from a source specifically designed for the educational market where such articles cannot be copied
legally for class distribution (adapted from Becker, 2003).
4. You cannot post student’s essays, poems, or other works on the school website unless you have permission
of the students and their parents or guardians.
5. Educators should treat copyrighted materials from the internet that same way they do to print formats. The
best guidelines are to always obtain permission. When in doubt, ask!

Plagiarism
It is an act of fraud; it involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.
(plagiarism.org)
But can words and ideas really be stolen?

According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual
property and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall
under copyright protection if they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).

All the following are considered plagiarism:

1. turning in someone else's work as your own
2. copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
3. failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
4. giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
5. changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
6. copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up most of your work, whether
you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)

Using an image, video, or piece of music in a work you have produced without receiving proper
permission or providing appropriate citation is plagiarism. The following activities are very common today.
Despite their popularity, they still count as plagiarism.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 6

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

1. Copying media (especially images) from other websites to paste them into your own papers
or websites.
2. Making a video using footage from others’ videos or using copyrighted music as part of the
soundtrack.
3. Performing another person’s copyrighted music (i.e., playing a cover).
4. Composing a piece of music that borrows heavily from another composition.

Certainly, these media pose situations in which it can be challenging to determine whether the copyrights
of a work are being violated. For example:

 A photograph or scan of a copyrighted image (for example: using a photograph of a book cover to represent
that book on one’s website)
 Recording audio or video in which copyrighted music or video is playing in the background.
 Re-creating a visual work in the same medium. (for example: shooting a photograph that uses the same
composition and subject matter as someone else’s photograph)
 Re-creating a visual work in a different medium (for example: making a painting that closely resembles
another person’s photograph).
 Re-mixing or altering copyrighted images, video, or audio, even if done so in an original way.

The legality of these situations, and others, would be dependent upon the intent and context within which
they are produced. The two safest approaches to take regarding these situations is:
1) Avoid them altogether or
2) Confirm the works’ usage permissions and cite them properly.

LEARING ACTIVITY 2

find a partner and log in to a plagiarism checker app and check your partner’s work. share your findings with
each other and rate each is work.

SUMMARY

Here are some pointers to remember:

 Digital citizenship is an idea that all persons using the internet have civic rights and responsibilities.
 A netizen is a participant of online community and who uses the internet in a responsible way.
 What is needed is people will advocate and demonstrate the kind of self-governance that will keep us
safe from harm both online and offline.
 Online ethics focuses on the acceptable use of online resources in an online social environment.
 We all create a digital tattoo and we leave digital footprints.
 Intellectual Property pertains to any original creation of the human intellect such as artistic, literacy,
technical, or scientific creation.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 7

 FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in PROF ED 108 TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 Module No.7

REFERENCES

Bilbao, et al. (2019). Technology for teaching and learning 1. Quezon City, PH: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

Nine elements of Digital citizenship in https://www.youtube.com/

Watch?v=gYe11RNG-tZU

10 ways to be a better cyber citizen https://www.justaskgemalto.com

/us/top-10-ways-be-better-cyber-citizen

Digital etiquette in https://www.brainpop.com/

Smaldino, S. et.al. (2005). Instructional technology and media for learning, 8th Ed.
New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 8