As Caribbean citizens who are living and working in a digital world and age, we must consider those critical elements which must be examined, before we can describe ourselves as active digital citizens. This framework which I developed from my doctoral research is influenced by Bennet’s (2014) model but is extended by our Caribbean experiences and identity.
Six critical areas as I have outlined in this framework, should inform how we interrogate the notion of what I have termed, a Caribbean Digital Citizen and the related thrust for digital skills development in the Caribbean.
- What digital devices, tools, built infrastructure, and support do I currently have access to? (Personal and or institutional)
- What do I do with my access or what digital skills have I developed? (Low, moderate or high level)
- What are my thoughts or beliefs about the digital world/ digital change or digitization? (Thoughts will influence digital behaviours/ actions)
- How does my Caribbean socialization and identity factor in to the way I engage with the digital world? Do I bring my Caribbean values, beliefs and heritage to the digital space?
- What do I actually do with the digital competencies I possess or what are my digital practices? What do I create?
- Who am I as a digital citizen (ethics, integrity, wisdom, identity) and how do I self-care in digital environments?
This framework (Charles 2019, 2021) is valuable as a pathway for a consideration of digital literacy and digital skills development at both the personal and institutional levels.
FUTURE LEARN 2.0 