DCIM shown as a bulb in the head. Digital Citizenship is a mindset.

What is Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity?

In the 21st century, Internet plays a big role in every aspect of your life. Internet is not just a technology service, but a virtual world visited by 3 billion people. It is made up of millions of websites offering content & applications on every possible topic. Digital Citizenship means your participation in the virtual world. Internet Maturity means your understanding of the PURPOSE of online services and displaying maturity in online activities. Internet Maturity helps you become a mature digital citizen. DCIM helps you to make the best & the safest use of Internet for success in life. It is a subject of learning which teaches you 10 important skills as explained below.

Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity is a subject which teaches you 10 critical skills:

1. Understanding What is Web 2.0

You must understand how the Internet of the 21st century is different from that of 1990s, and what those differences mean for you. Especially the concepts of 'User Generated Content' and 'User to User Networking'.

2. How to Create & Share Digital Content

You must know how to create documents, presentations, images, videos and other types of digital content. Also you must understand the proper way of sharing content online. It's basic digital literacy!

3. Mature Way of Social Networking

Social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp etc are now an important part of your social life. You must learn the mature way of presenting & behaving yourself on social networks.

4. Mature Way of professional Networking

Professional networks like Linkedin can provide you the best of career opportunities. But you must learn the mature way of presenting & behaving yourself on professional networks.

5. Online Forum Discussion Skills

Online forums have emerged as a powerful knowledge sharing tool. It is used heavily in corporate organizations and professional circles. You must learn the art of online group discussion.

6. Blogging Skills for Self-Expression

You must learn how to express your ideas, knowledge & creativity through blogs. You must develop smart blogging skills to make your blog articles effective.

7. How to Search Knowledge Online

You must learn how to find USEFUL knowledge on Internet without getting distracted by online junk. Smart searching skills are absolutely essential for everyone in the 21st century.

8. How to Utilize OCWs & MOOCs

'Open Courseware' and 'Massive Open Online Courses' are a revolution in the education world. You must learn how to make the best use of MOOCs for your success in life.

9. How to be Safe & Responsible Online

The virtual world of Internet is full of threats and dangers. Some dangers come to you from outside and some are created by the weakness of your own mind. It is absolutely essential that you learn to protect yourself online. Also you must behave ethically & responsibly online, to avoid becoming a cyber criminal.

10. How to Build a Positive Online Reputation

Your online reputation can make or break your life! Internet is the world's biggest stage where everyone is watching & recording your actions. Learn to create a positive online reputation for a successful life.

What problem do DCIM skills solve?

Overuse, misuse and risky use of the Internet is a serious and widespread problem among children and even adults. Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity skills are absolutely necessary to transform anyone's online behaviour from negative to positive. DCIM skills can transform your online behaviour from the red zone to the green zone as shown below.

Two tablet computers showing transition from harmful to useful online behaviour for students

How relevant are DCIM skills in the post-covid world?

DCIM skills are absolutely essential for anyone to be successful in the post-covid. That's because they are the foundation for 4 most important ingredients of success for post-covid careers - Work from Home Skills, Learn from Home Skills, Online Reputation and Online Safety!