Instilling the principles of digital citizenship among university students during COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract EN

The technological revolution affects human life in the digital era and facilitates communication, interaction and exchange of information.

Technology has become an integral part of everyday practices such as education, especially in developed countries and nations.

During COVID-19 pandemic spread, technology is used to create virtual digital learning environments as a temporary solution to manage the crisis.

However, COVID-19 educational policy based on the combination of distance learning and traditional physical classroom discloses many challenges such as the inequitable access to technology and the irrational and inappropriate use of it.

Digital citizenship as a global trend and a major objective in international curricula in the 21st century has become a necessity to minimize the digital divide proliferated by financial, educational and social disparities in society and support social justice, digital inclusion and equitable use of technological tools.

Moreover, digital citizenship education promotes the optimal use of technology.

The present paper accentuates university students' need for digital citizenship education and the integration of its main principles, skills, standards and values by reviewing and analyzing some theoretical frameworks that address the issue under study.