Students will communicate so much in their future careers my electronic means, they must learn to differentiate between personal and professional communications to
be successful. Unitified commmunications, with text messaging, voice mail, e-mail, VoIP will be with them all and the way it is now they learn to communicate early and from their peers and their acronyms, forms and syntax is usually attrocious. This is a vital, not optional skill to be mastered for the technically literate who will succeed.

It has been a part of our state requirement in Computer Technolgy for at least 4 years. I think it is important that students know that there is a right way to communicate. An important lesson students need to know how to communicate with people at audiences. It is like talking to friends in one voice, but you wouldn't talk to your parents in the same voice. While talking to your employer would require another voice. You need to know who your audience is and adjust your communication skills accordingly.

I think this whole "Netiquette" thing is pretty crazy. In fact this is the first time I am hearing about it. As long as teachers teach students how to write and talk professionally, then the students should know how to do the same online. For example, we learned how to write a resume when I was in school, but just because I type in abbv. form when I text or email doesn't mean I will do that on a resume or in an interview. I really believe teachers and parents under estimate their students regardless of the student's age. I can remember when I was young thinking "these people are treating me like I'm two and they really have no idea what I'm capable of" - of course that wasn't my exact thought and "these people" were people in general; my mom, my mom's friends and of course my teachers. I really believe that students, because they're people just like you and me, know better when not to use the language they use with their friends. Whether they're applying that or not is up to them; but they already know better, so why waste time teaching it to them: what we need to be teaching is a social class: how to make friends; why not to bully; what to do if you're being bullied, etc.

Communication by email is now a standard part of professional communication in the everyday business world. Fast interactions on important issues, the most easily maintained form of documentation of contact with individuals, the greatest way to conference with people in distant areas... netiquette training will ensure that our students are perceived as professionals and increase their credibility.

If the purpose of education is to prepare children & young people for a life as a competent and successful member of society then Netiquette is core business just like other social conventions like "please" and "thank you" and "however much they're annoying you, you don't kick or spit at the kid at the next desk, "

Hi - Ron Caulford-- what state are you in? Sounds a bit too progressive. [wink]The "tone" of an email is critical. Without a "LOL" or a *grin* a statement can be viewed as sarcastic. How many times have we all been confused by an email to find that the "intent" was totally different. The written word is powerful, and can also be misinterpreted. Its a good idea to help students with this distinction.

It is very apparent that you do not teach. You can't assume that because they know how to read and write that they will make the transfer to online communications. I teach 6th-8th grade, and believe me, they don't make the transition of knowing when to use "text talk" and when to use proper grammar. Look around the world at the adult role models. I see and know too many adults that don't know when it is appropriate to talk on their cell phones and when not to, what is appropriate to say in a parent teacher conference and what is not. Part of the problem in education today is that we keep assuming children have been taught correctly at home, and guess what? Too many are just growing up and not getting taught a thing about correct social skills. Can you just imagine how nice a school would be if all children came to school with the same level of social skills? Wow, kids and teachers could really focus on academics for a change. Truly it is a sad situation for kids these days that have parents that don't teach them the social skills they need to survive in the world. And it sure makes being successful in school hard when you don't understand why you can't say and do the same things you do at home.

You have the "Hail Mary" pass on that one! It's a touchdown.

I think that is essential to train our students to effectively communicate in all areas. So many new professionals are unsure of how to communicate properly via email. As we become more reliant on technology it is vital that we prepare students to be prepared to be successful in those arenas.

I think it is very important to teach students netiquette. I say this because kids are kids and you need to model what is cosidered appropriate. I know many parents still are not too computer savy so it's up to teachers to show them how to properly communicate online.