Participate 4- Digital Rights and Responsibilities

In the ever growing world of technology digital rights and responsibilities must be protected.  When students use a Digital Learning Community (DLC),  this can be done by having  Acceptable Use Policies ( AUPs) that can protect intellectual property.  This is needed in a DLC because their is always so much information available.  Even instructors are sometimes tempted to " beg, barrow, or steal" without permission.   However, it is our duty and responsibility to respect DLCs.  We must lead by example.  My plan for supporting and protecting DLCs is to explain clearly the expectations.  As a nurse, I teach empathy to students as well as the golden rule.  I will ask questions to make them think.  How would you feel if someone used your work with out permission?  What would you want done about it? After the questions, I plan to show the students the resources for AUPs, Copyright, and Fair Use.  They will have the information needed to act responsibly. Lastly, I plan to have them agree to the plan by way of a user agreement.  It takes cooperation from all involved in the DLC to ensure that the citizens have access as well as protection of Digital Rights.  I feel that frequent reminders in form of videos, or interactive lessons can help achieve this because people need reminders and digital rights and responsibilities must be maintained and protected.

1. How can a DLC ensure that citizens within the community have access to an environment where an AUP protects members as well as the community itself, where individuals uphold laws, and a cooperative/collective venture provides robust, safe, and ethical resources and opportunities for learning?

A DLC can ensure that citizens within the community have access to an environment where an AUP protects members as well as the community itself, where individuals uphold laws, and there is a collective venture for learning by being proactive.  The training and education about these laws must be done and agreed on before hand.  This can be in the form of a mini lesson with a quiz and then followed by a written agreement.  This would show how much the student understands and give a chance for remediation if needed to make sure that the learning environment is protected.  

2. What is the best way to establish and maintain a flourishing DLC where citizens understand, observe, and are inclined to willingly support and ultimately benefit from Digital Rights and Responsibilities?

The best way to establish and maintain a flourishing DLC where citizens understand, observe and are inclined to willingly support and benefit from Digital Rights and Responsibilities is to formulate a plan and share it with the citizens.  This plan should be housed in the community for easy reference when assignments are given.  Having a link to the AUP is a another good way to encourage citizens to observe the Digital Rights and Responsibilities. When this is available it can help the digital citizens to see how important it is to observe and follow.  Educators should set a good example by observing the Digital Rights and Responsibilities as well.

Below is my plan for supporting and protecting a Digital Learning  Community Through Digital Rights and Responsibilities.

S1. Explain expectations clearly

S2. Encourage empathy by asking questions

S3. Show students the resources for AUPs, Copyright, and Fair Use

S3. Have all users agree and sign agreement

Digital Rights and