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?