The etiquette of digital Communication
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. It is central to learning, work and all of our relationships. Advancement in technologies has revolutionized communication. According to Ribble (2015), digital communication is defined as "the electronic exchange of information" (p.32). The integration of digital communication in every aspect of our life has been so rapid that we can hardly remember how we once communicate even just a decade or so ago! In December 2018, a viral video of two teenagers baffled by how to operate a rotary phone illustrated just how far and quickly technology has advanced.
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Cell phones, texting, social networking, messaging apps, video chat and more "have created a new social structure governing how, when and with who people interact" (Ribble, 2015, p. 32). This new social structure allows us to communicate with anyone from anywhere at any time and offers vast opportunities for educators and students. Technology brings people together and breaks down barriers. However, despite all the benefits, there are challenges, obstacles and even serious consequences if technology is misused. To successfully navigate and participate in this ever-changing social structure we need an understanding of the norms and rules. That is where digital etiquette or as many refer to as "netiquette" comes into play. Etiquette is nothing new for most people, most of us grew up with our parents telling us to mind our manners, but with digital etiquette, there are new and evolving norms and rules that go beyond saying thank you and please. Digital etiquette can be defined as "the electronic standards or procedure" (Ribble, 2015, p.38).
Whether your students are texting, posting on social networks, or interacting with apps and games, they can be instantly connected to the world both locally and globally. They need to know how to communicate appropriately and stay safe both in school and at home. As teachers, we need to be proactive and educate our students to be responsible, respectful and avoid the pitfalls that can easily counteract all the benefits that digital communication provides. This page will cover some of the issues surrounding digital communication and digital etiquette.
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Digital Footprint
Teaching for Positive Digital Footprints
A digital footprint can be defined by "the body of data that exists as a result of actions and communications online that can in some way be traced back to an individual" (WhatIs.com, n.d.). Digital footprints are made from both active (data that individual leaves intentionally-i.e., social network posts) and passive data (left by others or gathered through activities that an individual does without purposefully sharing date-i.e., website visits, google searches and online purchases). "A digital footprint is relatively permanent and once the data is public the owner has little control over how it will be used by others" (WhatIs.com, n.d.).
Many people don’t realize the importance of their digital footprint. Unfortunately, even when digital footprints are discussed there is a tendency to focus only on the dangers, privacy issues and how to minimize your footprint. A more useful message to promote is that "we should protect and shape our digital footprints, and try to ensure they’re positive. Encouraging students to avoid posting or doing anything online is not the answer." (Morris, 2018). The issue is not whether our students will have a digital footprint? They already do. The issue is whether it will be a liability or asset? "We have a unique opportunity to provide our students with a digital footprint that says wonderful things about who they are, what they can do and where their passions lie, but unless we actively teach them how to make it positive, it may not be the case" (Betcher, 2009).
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WHEN DOES YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT START?
This video may surprise you! Here's a video to share with students to start the conversation.
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Cyberbullying
When Bullying goes Online
As technology and digital communication evolves, so does bullying. Bullying has now moved into the online world. As educators, we have the responsibility in helping our students learn how to identify, respond to, and avoid cyberbullying.
According to pacers.org National Bullying Prevention Center (n.d.), the definitions of cyberbullying consist of:
LESSON PLANS
Grades K-3: Grades 3–5:
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What kinds of behaviors qualify as cyberbullying?
This informative video will help your students learn what is and what isn't cyberbullying, and give them important tips they'll need to combat the problem. want to learn more terminology?How well do you know the terminology?
Play this Quizlet to brush up on Cyberbullying terminology and concepts. |
Acceptable Use Policy - A.U.P.
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A brief discussion and the Public Service Announcement was featured on the Digital Rights & Responsibilities' page of this site, but bears repeating!
Knowing your school's AUP and making sure your students know and understand the AUP are the first steps to teaching your students how to be a good digital citizen. |
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Teaching Digital Citizenship by Sandy Coleman is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.