R-E-S-P-E-C-T: The importance of Internet Etiquette

Four walls, 2 windows, a white board, desks and chairs. Up until a few years ago, this was the realm in which we were teaching our students. This was otherwise known as a classroom. Within this classroom we shared, with our fellow colleagues, the duty and responsibility to teach our students the values of citizenship and civility. Each day we modeled what it means to be a good citizen, to treat others with kindness and respect, and to represent one’s self in a positive manner; how he or she wishes to be represented. We, as teachers, continue this task each and every day that we step inside the classroom. Nowadays though, we have yet another realm into which our students are venturing. The parameters of this realm include four edges, one screen, and countless networks that share and spread the information posted by our students; this realm is known as the internet.

This week, we were provided with a number of informational blogs and articles that focused in on several different topics, spanning from plagerism and copyrights to the integration of cell phones within the classroom. The one topic that struck me, moreso than the others, dealt with preparing our students for the 21^st century, with regards to how they represent themselves not only in the classroom, but online as well.
Our students have a lot to say, and the internet gives them yet another outlet in which they can express their ideas and feelings. As teachers, we are always looking for creative ways in which we can enable our students to feel comfortable expressing their emotions and ideas. Once we find these ways, we implement them into our curriculum. Throughout the year, we are then able to provide feedback as to the word choices they are using and model for them respectful ways in which they can get their ideas across. This acts as a coninutal learning process for both our students and ourselves throughout the year. The blog I read was written by a high school teacher and focused in on how students are choosing to express themselves online, often times not in a way that best represents who they are as a person, nor anything with which they are affiliated.

I have seen, firsthand, people post things online that I know they would never say in person. Not only is this done by children, but teens and adults as well. It’s almost as if they believe the internet, and social media sites, are separate from real life. It is believed that what is written or said in these arenas does not translate to reality, but sadly this notion is not entirely true. What people chose to write on the internet is public for all to see, no matter how many privacy settings you have set. Once something is written or posted online, it is almost impossible to totally eradicate it from existence. The pictures we post, the things we say to others are available for all to see. Potential job employers are taking to social media sites to research their potential employees more now than ever before. In my opinion, we need to be constantly informing our students about both the pros and cons of the internet and social media sites.

We have done a good job over the years with providing our students with an environment in which they can grow and develop as good citizens. We have modeled for them manners, how to address and resolve conflicts respectfully and appropriately, and have gotten them to think about how it is they wish to be seen. We have done all of this within those four walls, 2 windows, a whiteboard, desks and chairs known as a classroom. As we continue entering into the 21^st century, we now have to make sure we are doing this within those four edges, one screen and countless networks known as the internet.

What are some ways in which we can continue to educate our students about internet etiquette?

Honoring a Hero...1 "Like" at a time...

This past week marked the 10^th anniversary of September 11^th, a day that we, as a nation, will never forget. Most of us can still remember vividly the images from that fateful day. These images were shown on televisions and computers all across the world. This past week, the students at the University of Central Florida were shown a never before seen image from that tragic day; the image was a red bandanna, and the story behind that bandanna touched the hearts that make up the 50,000+ student body population. A week before September 11^th, 2011, ESPN did a special segment on the show “Outside the Lines”. The segment was entitled, “The Man in the Red Bandanna”. It was 13 of the most powerful, moving minutes that I have ever witnessed on television. It was the story of Wells Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player who died on September 11^th, 2001 while saving his coworkers from the World Trade Center. Wells was known for always wearing a red bandanna, to which the segment explained in detail. When Wells turned six, his father game him a red bandanna to wear. From that moment on, Wells carried that bandanna everywhere with him On 9/11/2001, Wells again had his red bandanna.
On September 10^th, 2011, UCF was scheduled to play Boston College at home in what was being called the biggest home football game in UCF’s history. A few days prior to this game, two UCF students, who were so touched and moved by Wells’ story, used social media to create an event that would highlight and celebrate the heroic actions of Wells Crowther on September 11^th, 2001. The two UCF students created a Facebook event in which they asked the students, faculty, and members of the UCF community to wear a red bandanna to the UCF vs. BC game on September 10^th, 2011. Within minutes, dozens of students responded that they were going to attend this event. Within hours, those numbers jumped to the hundreds. Within days, the number of attendees was well into the thousands. On the day of the football game, a sea of red bandannas filled Brighthouse Networks Stadium. News outlets had caught wind of the story and were in attendance to capture the tribute. Wells’ sisters even made the trip down from the Northeast to show their appreciation for how their brother was being honored. It was one of the most moving tributes I have ever seen, and I can say, without reservation, that I had never been more proud to be a Knight than I was on September 10^th, 2011.
Social media has transfixed the way we communicate and receive information. This story is a clear example of how much our times have changed, and how quickly information can be spread from one individual to another. Just as the textbook, Teachers discovering computers; Integrating technology and digital media into the classroom states, “The ability to communicate information instantly and accurately has changed the way people conduct business and interact with each other, and the way students learn” (Gunter, Gunter & Shelly, 2010). This quote is certainly holding true.
One social media site. Two students. Seven days. 50,000 plus individuals touched by the actions of one heroic man.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6929979

References:
　
Shelly, G., Gunter, G., Randolph, G., (2010) Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom. Course Technology, 6th ed. pg 56