I'm not sure: is the word "netiquette" cute? Or is it another annoying buzzword that will soon sneak it's way into The Oxford English Dictionary? Either way, as opportunities for online interactions multiply, netiquette is an important part of technology in education. What does the word netiquette actually mean? Is it internet etiquette? Network etiquette? I think internet etiquette covers more ground, so that is the definition I that I will adopt.
Take a quick look at facebook and you will find dozens of breaches of netiquette without even trying. Some examples are obvious: mean digs at others, thinly-veiled insults, jealous comebacks and the outright bragging status updates. Some examples are self-serving, like the self-proclaimed "Grammar Nazis" who can't let a misspelling or misplaced apostrophe go without notice. The most amazing thing about the lack of netiquette on facebook is that most of the interactions are between "friends!" In other internet arenas, the potential for vicious interactions seems much higher considering that the interactions aren't necessarily between you and people that you know, let alone people with whom you've chosen to be facebook friends. My online graduate course has a few live chats, and all the participants seem to try to follow the rules of netiquette carefully. We are all adults and professionals, and would presumably treat each other respectfully in real life, so it makes sense that we try to do the same online. Everyone is supportive of others' comments, we try not to "talk" over others as we frantically type our responses, we don't correct spelling or grammar errors... in general, we follow the Golden Rule of Netiquette, by Treating Others on the Internet the Same Way That We Would Like to be Treated. After all, the rules of netiquette reflect the social mores that we are used to following in live interactions. It's harder, however, to interact online. Without facial cues, it is easy to misinterpret a joke for a dig. Without a human being looking into your face as you speak, it's easy to say something hurtful because you don't have the immediate guilt when you see the person's facial expressions. Without seeing a person's body language, it's hard to determine if they are being playful or mean-spirited. With the opportunities for online conversations occuring in schools with students of varied ages, when and how do we teach netiquette to the students? Do we invest time in developing a netiquette curriculum? Is netiquette included in the digital literacy standards? Should it be? I think it's part of the job of every teacher who introduces a digital lesson. Constant reminders, reviewing skills, learning to proofread for potentially hurtful remarks as well as grammar and spelling errors, etc. should happen every time students are interacting online. Their digital footprints are not exclusive to social media. Reminding students to think twice before reacting to someone else can prevent hurt feelings and misunderstandings. If students are old enough to be using the internet, they are old enough to learn how to use it kindly.
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AuthorMom to two sons, married 23 years to college sweetie. Instructional Technology Specialist for a vocational high school. Educator for 20+ years. Love to read, do anything crafty, and spend time with friends and family. Passionate about education, technology, and the combination of the two! I'm a proud foster-failure with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, having fallen head-over-heels for our first foster and adopting her :) Archives
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