I teach K-8 computer classes and it is vital that kids learn not only netiquette, but how to be safe on the Internet. Most schools tend to block websites to ensure safety, but these kids all have access at home, on their iPhones, at their friends' houses. They need to know they shouldn't give out any personal information and what to do if someone they don't know (or someone who pretends they know them) tries to contact them. School districts are pumping huge amounts of $ into hardware/software, but hardly anyone talks to the kids about safety, cyberbullying, etc.
Dearest Theresa, that's all part of it. Agreed. "People" should know better. The place where the breakdown occurs is when they are not held accountable for their mistakes. Children develop at different rates, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. There are numerous other children growing up alongside you who either do not know better, or know better but are not being held accountable for their actions... whether it be abbv. texts to a business contact...(should one even send a text under those circumstances...no) or blatantly defaming another's character in a public, virtual forum. The implementation of disciplinary action precipitates the need for clearly defined repercussions for such actions. And then, they must be enforced. Given more time, you will see a larger picture developing here. Best of luck, keep up your good work. An innately independent, proactive and conscientious child is every parent's dream... though rarely their reality.
Sweety, that's all part of it. Agreed. "People" should know better. The place where the breakdown occurs is when they are not held accountable for their mistakes. Children develop at different rates, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. There are numerous other children growing up alongside you who either do not know better, or know better but are not being held accountable for their actions... whether it be abbv. texts to a business contact...(should one even send a text under those circumstances...no) or blatantly defaming another's character in a public, virtual forum. The implementation of disciplinary action precipitates the need for clearly defined repercussions for such actions. And then, they must be enforced. Give yourself a few more years of life, you will see a larger picture developing here. Best of luck, keep up your good work. An independent, proactive and consientious child is every parent's dream... though rarely their reality.
The first time I tried an online chat room with my students (middle school) to discuss and record results for the day's lesson I specifically told them that this was still an academic assignment and academic language and behavior was to be used at all times. They responded with IDKs, IMOs, as well as the “this is stupid and lame,” sentence fragments and other comments that just frustrated me no end. They did not understand that what they were doing was wrong and not appropriate. We have grown since then, but that first day was a BIG eye opener.
I am around 9 and 10 years olds and teenagers every day. Theirs is a "cell" world in which their main means of communication is through texting, aiming, e-mailing, face-booking and the like. It's the wild west out there - they write what they want, how they want, and there is no demarcation between the "right" way to correspond and "their" way. They are creating their own language, and if we don't model and teach them proper English grammar and usage, we are doing them a disservice. I wish both Netiquette and Etiquette were still being taught in our public schools!
I absolutely believe we need to be teaching netiquette (to students AND teachers/staff). Everyone should know how to treat others with respect (don't hide behind anonymous comments, don't troll, etc.), don't SHOUT, don't take part in (or start) flame wars, etc. We should also be teaching online literacy: how to do a proper search/advanced search, etc., how to differentiate good sources from poor sources, how to analyze a web page (what are the different components of popular sites, etc.) I'm amazed at how sorely lacking these basic skills are among most of our *teachers*, let alone students.
Yes, I do think it is necessary. State standards require teachers to instruct students in writing. It makes no difference that e-mail is a popular method of communication in business. Whether in electronic form or on paper, writing must still be professional and comprehensible. E-mail is just one other form of business writing. Just as friendly letters will vary based on to whom the letter is written (is it to your sister or to your former college professor?) so will e-mail. The email I send my bank regarding my business loan is important; I need to convince them that I am serious. Knowing how and when to "code switch" between formal and informal writing is essential to teach. I have no problem with the way people text. However, a business letter in the same tone and grammar would not be taken seriously. "frnt me 80g pls 4 my biz" won't get you anywhere.
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Not just netiquette, but Internet Safety.
I teach K-8 computer classes and it is vital that kids learn not only netiquette, but how to be safe on the Internet. Most schools tend to block websites to ensure safety, but these kids all have access at home, on their iPhones, at their friends' houses. They need to know they shouldn't give out any personal information and what to do if someone they don't know (or someone who pretends they know them) tries to contact them. School districts are pumping huge amounts of $ into hardware/software, but hardly anyone talks to the kids about safety, cyberbullying, etc.
Netiquette? Give me
Netiquette? Give me computers first!
Dearest Theresa, that's all
Dearest Theresa, that's all part of it. Agreed. "People" should know better. The place where the breakdown occurs is when they are not held accountable for their mistakes. Children develop at different rates, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. There are numerous other children growing up alongside you who either do not know better, or know better but are not being held accountable for their actions... whether it be abbv. texts to a business contact...(should one even send a text under those circumstances...no) or blatantly defaming another's character in a public, virtual forum. The implementation of disciplinary action precipitates the need for clearly defined repercussions for such actions. And then, they must be enforced. Given more time, you will see a larger picture developing here. Best of luck, keep up your good work. An innately independent, proactive and conscientious child is every parent's dream... though rarely their reality.
Sweety, that's all part of it. Agreed. "People" should know better. The place where the breakdown occurs is when they are not held accountable for their mistakes. Children develop at different rates, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. There are numerous other children growing up alongside you who either do not know better, or know better but are not being held accountable for their actions... whether it be abbv. texts to a business contact...(should one even send a text under those circumstances...no) or blatantly defaming another's character in a public, virtual forum. The implementation of disciplinary action precipitates the need for clearly defined repercussions for such actions. And then, they must be enforced. Give yourself a few more years of life, you will see a larger picture developing here. Best of luck, keep up your good work. An independent, proactive and consientious child is every parent's dream... though rarely their reality.
Wow. 91% say we should teach netiquette but most schools do not
Just pointing out the disconnect here :)
Here's a pretty good resource I just stumbled upon: 50 Crucial Rules – Social Media Etiquette for Students. It may be helpful in our journey to educate students on netiquette.
Unfortuately Not Everyone Does
The first time I tried an online chat room with my students (middle school) to discuss and record results for the day's lesson I specifically told them that this was still an academic assignment and academic language and behavior was to be used at all times. They responded with IDKs, IMOs, as well as the “this is stupid and lame,” sentence fragments and other comments that just frustrated me no end. They did not understand that what they were doing was wrong and not appropriate. We have grown since then, but that first day was a BIG eye opener.
I am around 9 and 10 years
I am around 9 and 10 years olds and teenagers every day. Theirs is a "cell" world in which their main means of communication is through texting, aiming, e-mailing, face-booking and the like. It's the wild west out there - they write what they want, how they want, and there is no demarcation between the "right" way to correspond and "their" way. They are creating their own language, and if we don't model and teach them proper English grammar and usage, we are doing them a disservice. I wish both Netiquette and Etiquette were still being taught in our public schools!
I absolutely believe we need
I absolutely believe we need to be teaching netiquette (to students AND teachers/staff). Everyone should know how to treat others with respect (don't hide behind anonymous comments, don't troll, etc.), don't SHOUT, don't take part in (or start) flame wars, etc. We should also be teaching online literacy: how to do a proper search/advanced search, etc., how to differentiate good sources from poor sources, how to analyze a web page (what are the different components of popular sites, etc.) I'm amazed at how sorely lacking these basic skills are among most of our *teachers*, let alone students.
Netiquette - What's Your Definition?
Just thought I'd throw it out there to all of you to see how you define Netiquette and what does it encompass?
There's an interesting and slightly confusing definition in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette.
I bet we find once we really try to define it, most of our definitions are quite different.
Teaching How to Effectively Use Technology
Yes, I do think it is necessary. State standards require teachers to instruct students in writing. It makes no difference that e-mail is a popular method of communication in business. Whether in electronic form or on paper, writing must still be professional and comprehensible. E-mail is just one other form of business writing. Just as friendly letters will vary based on to whom the letter is written (is it to your sister or to your former college professor?) so will e-mail. The email I send my bank regarding my business loan is important; I need to convince them that I am serious. Knowing how and when to "code switch" between formal and informal writing is essential to teach. I have no problem with the way people text. However, a business letter in the same tone and grammar would not be taken seriously. "frnt me 80g pls 4 my biz" won't get you anywhere.