Agency, Empowerment and Avoiding Harm in the Digital World :

Abstract

Discussions on internet safety have focused on technical means of restricting abuse, erecting barriers and protecting children from social media. Such restrictions are necessary but not sufficient to create empowered digital citizens. We argue that responsibility for internet use should lie with the individual. This does not mean individuals should be left without tools to navigate the digital world. Young people must be given the knowledge and skills to cultivate responsible digital agency. Information Technology and generative AI are dramatically changing how we learn and work (e.g., more distance learning, specialized packages for specific learners, holograms, virtual reality and simulators). A new curriculum is needed – one that incorporates the technologically driven transformation of learning and prepares students for an AI-dominated world. This new curriculum will also require radical changes to assessment, certification and entry to employment. While our research study focuses on study cases in Latin America, global leadership is needed to promote the development of new curriculums that promote digital empowerment and responsible agency.