2.3: Digital Environments
Digital environments refer to the tools and online spaces we use to interact with each other. With reference to digital citizenship this includes: health and safety, privacy and security and your skills in reviewing the terms of service of the online spaces you use.- Identify the factors which can contribute to physical discomfort, visual discomfort, stress and fatigue when using computers.
- Apply good online hygiene practices to ensure your privacy and security in digital environments.
- Discuss the impact of digital rights management.
- Compare and contrast on-line communities with off-line communities and consider the implications of the research on how to engage successfully with online communities.
- Critically evaluate an online tool of your choice with due consideration of the business context, terms of service and suitability of the tool for the intended purpose.
- Publish a reliable product review of an online tool of your choice; and
- Build and improve your online identity for tertiary study.
Health and safety is a component of digital citizenship. Using computers can create health and safety issues including physical discomfort, visual discomfort, stress and fatigue. Use of appropriate equipment, user education and a healthy dose of common sense will address most computer health issues.
In this section, we provide a few resource links for you to review your knowledge and practices in avoiding health and safety issues when using computers.
As an online learner, you are probably well versed in maintaining good online hygiene.
Nonetheless, in this section we summarise important practices as a reminder to remain vigilant in protecting your privacy and security online. If you are unsure about good security practices, there are a wealth of online resources you can (and should) consult.
In a digital world, you may not have the full rights of “physical” ownership you would expect when purchasing equipment or digital content.
In this section we explore digital rights management, geoblocking and related examples, highlighting the importance for users to study the terms of reference and licenses when using proprietary software to purchase products reliant on digital technology.
Mini challenge summary
Summary: Explore and discuss the impact of digital rights management 
30 – 45 minutes Consult the suggested resources and participate in the digital rights management debate.
In this section we contrast and compare online communities with offline communities. We consider the research on online communities to derive practical advice on how to join and contribute constructively to these digital communities. If you don’t have much experience with online communities, participate in the course forums and become an active member of the OERu learning family.
Challenge summary
Summary: Critically evaluate an online tool[1] 1,5 to 2 hours (Depending on prior knowledge)
