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"Netiquette is important because communication online is non-verbal . Most online communication consists of reading others posts, posting pictures and commenting on these posts. Following netiquette can and will help students to maintain and establish positive relationships and will help develop a positive online reputation."

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Netiquette is important as online communication is non-verbal. You have to follow Internet etiquette because there are other people such as your friends, relatives, elders who are using the Internet for all online communications. Hence it is correct to behave properly and write politely to everyone.

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This lesson is intended for students to be able to identify and learn how to practice proper netiquette online, and what to avoid! This includes different posts from different social media platforms. Students will work together to discuss their opinions and feelings toward the lesson at hand

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This introductory lesson is intended to teach first grade students about the main ideas associated with netiquette. This includes the definition of netiquette and why netiquette is important to learn about. Students will work with peers and discuss their own ideas in relation to the lesson.

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Growing up in the early 2000s, I was introduced to the digital world at a very young age. As early as age five, I was playing computer games like Webkinz and Club Penguin. As I got older, my online presence shifted towards social media as I made accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Even with my early exposure to the internet, I do not recall a time at which I was explicitly taught about the ideas of netiquette, or how to properly conduct myself online. In second grade, I learned how to write letters and fill out an envelope, but was never taught how to properly structure an email. It wasn’t until I began high school that I truly considered the importance of online etiquette or netiquette.

Prior to conducting research for this assignment, I never considered netiquette to be a skill that should be taught in schools. I always considered netiquette to be a skill you learn by experience. My thoughts regarding this topic were based upon my own experience. I recall shaping my online presence on that of those around me. Once I reached an age at which I needed to structure professional emails, I would often ask my family and friends for advice. As a college student, I am now trained in how to properly structure an email, but I was never explicitly taught this in school.

My takeaways from this assignment surround the importance of how you conduct yourself online. As a future teacher, I intend to make sure my students learn about how to conduct themselves online and understand why this is so important. Especially in today’s society with the increased prominence of the online world, how you conduct yourself online shapes the way you are viewed by others. One example of this is two applicants applying for a job. Both applicants impress the employer during their interview, and each sends the employer an email thanking them for their time. If one applicant sends a professional email with proper netiquette and the other applicant sends an unprofessional email using slang terms and improper grammar, it is likely the more professional applicant will get the job. This is just one example of how the way in which you conduct yourself online impacts how others view you.

This assignment has strengthened my views of netiquette and provided me with the tools I need to convey the importance of netiquette to my future students. Since technology is becoming much more present in our world each day, I understand these ideas surrounding netiquette will be crucial for our future generations to learn.

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Before this project I didn’t really know much about netiquette. The only thing I really knew about it was that it was online etiquette! After much research I realized how important netiquette is in today's day in age. With a lot of schools being remote due to COVID-19, it is important to stay as proper as you can online, in a virtual classroom, virtual meetings and appointments! Netiquette is important for students of all ages and adults! When being in online school you want to make sure that you are being respectful to your teachers and your peers at all times. You want to make sure you have manners while being on a video call. For example, if it isn’t your turn to speak you have your mic off, and you are listening to whoever is speaking. You’re not on your phone or doing things to distract others. Prior to my research I really didn’t consider little kids needing to know exactly what netiquette was or if it was necessary for them to show proper netiquette. While growing up in elementary school the only social media platforms that existed were Myspace and Facebook and my parents never wanted me on any of those websites until I was a teenager. As I got older, and went to middle school, more social media platforms started to exist and become popular. We were introduced to Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and many more. At this point in my life I never really watched what I was writing or posting online. I never obviously posted anything inappropriate because I did have parents who monitored my accounts, but I wouldn’t talk with correct grammar, and I wouldn’t address anyone properly. Now at an older age I am more aware of the things that can and cannot be posted online and with further research I’ve grown to learn that when posting online you should remain as professional as possible. My research from this project has further proven to me that there needs to be more education on netiquette in the classroom. I feel like no one really knows they could be posting something bad or inappropriate until it is too late, and if we teach our students at a younger age and remind them as they get older what is okay and not okay to post or do online, inappropriate netiquette can be avoided with our future generations.

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It is important to never post anything mean about anyone on the internet! If you do this, that is considered cyber bullying!

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It is important to never post anything mean about anyone on the internet! If you do this, that is considered cyber bullying!

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One tip this article states for writing or posting anything on the internet is to ask yourself what your parents would think of your post. If you think your parents wouldn't like the post, then don't post it.

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When posting on the internet you should always remember how important it is to not post your own private information or someone else's. If you post someone else's information without their permission, they may not like that you shared those things with the internet. 

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When posting on the internet you should always remember how important it is to not post your own private information or someone else's. If you post someone else's information without their permission, they may not like that you shared those things with the internet. 

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This article provides students with a unique perspective about how they conduct themselves online. Thinking about how others view what you post online is important to consider.

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What is the "right" age for youngsters to begin texting and using social media? As the Mom of two elementary school-aged daughters and an educator on girl bullying, I field this question from parents all of the time. Truly, there is great debate on the subject among professionals, along with a whole lot of hand-wringing by parents. As adults, we are all-too-aware of dangers online--both from anonymous predators and familiar "frenemies" who use the internet as a weapon. Indeed, social media sites are ripe for cyberbullying, when kids (and adults!) feel liberated to post cruel messages and taunts online without the discomfort of having to say them to a peer's face.

As with most aspects of child-rearing, there isn't a simple one-age-fits-all guideline for starting to use social media or texting. From "safety" and "convenience" to the ever-urgent " all the other kids have them " rationales, ultimately, each family will make their own decision about what is "right" for their kids. In this day and age, almost every child will be exposed to technology sooner rather than later.

So, while I do not offer black and white answers to parents as far as "right ages," what I do offer are suggestions for teaching kids how to use technology in ways that reflect family values and respect the dignity of their peers. Here is an example of five "Stop and Think" rules I offer to parents as they are first teaching their kids about netiquette:
1. Choose Your Words Carefully
If you wouldn't say something to a person's face, don't send it via text or the internet. Technology makes it too easy to say things that are impulsive or unkind. Also, the person reading your message can't see your expressions or hear your tone of voice. Sarcasm and humor often get lost in translation on the 'net, so avoid their use. Type carefully as well; avoid using ALL CAPS since they make it look like you are angry or YELLING.
2. The Internet is Not a Weapon
Don't gossip about other people while you are online. Your words can be misinterpreted, manipulated, and forwarded without your permission. Plus, it's not fair to talk about people when they can't defend themselves. Likewise, social media sites should never be used to strategically exclude peers who are "on the outs" of a peer group or to "de-friend" a person after a fight.
3. Who is this Message For?
What happens in cyberspace stays in cyberspace-forever! Though you may think you are sending your private message or photo to a single recipient, keep in mind that it can be cut, pasted, and forwarded to an infinite number of people. Never post a photo or message that you wouldn't want "everyone" to be able to view.
4. WWMT?
Be kind and do not ever use email to say ugly, nasty, or mean things about anyone or to anyone. ANYONE. Ever! Stop and ask yourself, "What would Mom (or Dad...feel free to adjust the letters!) think if she read this?" Post accordingly!
5. Take it Slow
In this immediate world of instant messaging and constant contact, you may be tempted to say whatever comes to your mind in a given moment. Don't do it! Slow down and think before you post whatever thought, comeback, or reaction is on your mind--especially if you are feeling an intense emotion like anger or sadness. Wait until you have had a chance to think things through and cool your head before you post a message that can't be taken back.

I also always recommend to parents that from the get-go, they establish a ground rule that they know their child's passwords and can access and review their child's online activity and texts on a regular (read: daily, if necessary!) basis. Yes, older kids will always learn new ways to thwart "intrusions" on their privacy, but YES, it is always a parent's role to establish values, standards, limits, and accountability.

Which brings me to my last piece of counsel for parents: it is important to hold kids accountable for their netiquette and to remind them that their use of technology and social media is a privilege. Parents should make it clear that this privilege can be restricted or revoked at any time, in any way, if the established rules are violated.

No matter how tech-savvy my own children become, I am constantly aware that they are young and that it is up to me to monitor their actions online in the same consistent, diligent way that I ensured their well-being on a playground not so long ago. "I am doing this because I love you," I remind my daughters. "OMG!" I can hear them think.

Signe Whitson is a national educator on bullying and author of Friendship & Other Weapons: Group Activities to Help Young Girls Cope with Bullying. For more ideas on establishing technology contracts with kids, please visit her Blog. For workshop inquiries, please visit www.signewhitson.com.

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What is the "right" age for youngsters to begin texting and using social media? As the Mom of two elementary school-aged daughters and an educator on girl bullying, I field this question from parents all of the time. Truly, there is great debate on the subject among professionals, along with a whole lot of hand-wringing by parents.

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Examples Of Good Netiquette - Cybersmile

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Good netiquette is important for anybody that uses the internet or social media. Use our guide to good netiquette to keep things positive online.

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"Netiquette: A Student's Guide to Digital Etiquette"

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                        Examples of Using Proper Netiquette                                                                                                                                               

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                        Examples of Using Proper Netiquette                                                                                                                                               

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 Why is Netiquette Important?                                                                                                                          

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 Why is Netiquette Important?                                                                                                                          

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Here are some expectations this school district has for their teachers and students while learning remotely.  This includes the types of behavior and language students should follow while having online access,  and how teachers should and will be presented in their videos.

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Distance Learning / Netiquette and Digital Citizenship

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We are excited to launch our Distance Learning Classes on Monday, April 13. As we prepare for this transition, students need to understand that the expectations for remote instruction are the same as if they were at school and must practice "netiquette" (Internet etiquette).

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                      What is Netiquette?

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                      What is Netiquette?

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Netiquette is the rules, guidelines and morale that must be followed when using the internet or any online resource. This includes writing emails, video conferencing and social media posts.

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© Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Netiquette refers to the guidelines that govern courteous communication in the online environment. The word comes from an abbreviation of "Internet etiquette" or "network etiquette." Netiquette includes proper manners for sending e-mail, conversing online, using social networking sites, and so on. The purpose of netiquette is to help build and maintain a pleasant, comfortable, and efficient environment for online communication. It also helps to avoid conflict among users. Following netiquette guidelines helps a person become a good digital citizen.

Netiquette includes rules that provide guidance for appropriate social interaction online. However, what constitutes good netiquette varies among the many subcultures of the Internet. In addition, netiquette issues change with time and technology. Nevertheless, some general principles of proper online manners exist. Examples of appropriate things to do include using correct grammar, writing clearly, treating people with respect, and keeping confidential information private. Examples of conduct from which people should refrain include typing in all upper case letters, which is a sign of shouting; making strong personal attacks; and using sarcasm with strangers, because it is often misinterpreted. Communicating via computers tends to lead people to lose sight of the feelings of others. As a result, people may be more blunt in stating their views online than they would be face-to-face. It is important to remember that, although one is communicating online, one is nevertheless dealing with real people who have real emotions.

Netiquette is enforced by the community at large, as the Internet does not have a policing body. Although following netiquette guidelines does not guarantee Internet safety, users may openly object when breaches occur. Many issues can be resolved by speaking honestly with the people who have committed the offenses, especially if a user knows them. If a breach is severe or criminal, such as in the case of online bullying (cyberbullying), users may contact a perpetrator's Internet service provider or the police for help.

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Netiquette refers to the guidelines that govern courteous communication in the online environment. The word comes from an abbreviation of "Internet etiquette" or "network etiquette." Netiquette includes proper manners for sending e-mail, conversing online, using social networking sites, and so on.

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This website provides a list of netiquette guidelines that students should be aware of when using the internet. One example mentioned is the importance of respecting one's privacy.

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Avoid hurting someone's feelings with e-mail.Sometimes, online, people can't tell that you are joking. When you write an e-mail message, make sure the person you're sending it to will know whether you are happy, sad, angry, joking, etc. You can do this by using smileys, such as :).

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Netiquette is even more important when learning virtually. Check out the website below to learn more about how to demonstrate proper netiquette when learning online!

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Online communication lacks verbal and non-verbal cues such as intonation, gestures, stance, and facial expressions that are a regular part of face-to-face communication. The absence of these cues can quickly lead to misunderstandings in the online environment.
"A student receives a message open to interpretation, lacks the nonverbal inputs necessary to help interpret the message appropriately, assigns faulty attributions to the message, and fires back with anger and name calling in the classroom" (Lewis, 2000).
How does a faculty member prevent or decrease online miscommunication? To reduce the occurrence of misunderstandings and to promote an online environment where students feel safe, teachers should establish a netiquette policy for their online courses.

Consider the following examples from the literature about online teaching as you shape your netiquette policy. Remember to model good netiquette as you communicate with your students.

Chat Protocol (Hurst &Thomas, 2004)

Allow each learner to complete his/her thought before responding-this means do not interrupt or intrude with your thought while another is speaking.

Be patient; not everyone has advanced keyboard skills.

Avoid having side conversations; it's rude not to pay attention.

Signal when you've finished a statement [some use a happy face :) to signal they have completed their input].

Signal when you don't understand something; use a question mark to get the facilitator's attention.

Signal your "reactions" by using an exclamation mark (!) for surprise or a sad face for disagreement :( or some combination of symbols.

Do not shout [CAPITALS MEAN THAT YOU ARE SHOUTING].

Do not leave your computer during a scheduled session; it is impossible to get your attention if you leave the room.

Officially sign on and off so that everyone knows when you are present.

Keep statements brief and to the point; the chat box has a limit of 256 characters per statement; you can keep talking but in spurts.

Prepare notes and key ideas ahead of time so that you can engage in the discussion without trying to figure out how to word your statements.

Expectations and Guidelines for Interacting in the Online Environment (Stavredes, 2011)

The following guidelines should be followed each time you interact in the course to insure your interactions are respectful and professional:

1. In all your interactions, remember that there is a person behind the written post, who has feelings and can be hurt by what and how you interact with him or her.

2. It is easier to say something online when you do not have to look the person in the eye, so never post anything that you would not say to the person face-to-face.

3. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life, which includes acting ethically and following rules and regulations. If you would not steal in real life, then you should not steal online by taking other people's ideas and using them as your own.

4. Respect other people's time and bandwidth:
a) Take time to understand the requirements of the discussion.
b) Do not waste people's time by asking questions that are not relevant to the discussion or questions whose answers can be readily be found in the course with a little effort.
c) Refrain from disagreements that lead to personal attacks.

5. Make yourself look good online:
a) Take time to check your spelling and grammar.
b) Prepare for discussions prior to engaging in them.
c) Refrain from inappropriate language and remarks.

6. Share your knowledge by offering help to learners who have questions.

7. Help keep flame wars under control by not posting flames and not responding to flames - keep discussions professional.

8. Forgive other learners' mistakes and be patient and compassionate of all learners in the course.

The WRITE Way to Communicate Online (Lewis, 2000)

Lewis' advice about the Write Way to communicate is directed to teachers, but it could easily be adapted for students.

"The WRITE way involves communicating online in a manner that is (W)arm, (R)esponsive, (I)nquisitive, (T)entative, and (E)mpathetic."

Warmth - "Being warm online is a way of reminding others (and you) that it is people who are engaged in communication, not software"

Responsive -- "Try to return personal messages as soon as possible, and set up a regular rhythm of communication for other responses."

Inquisitiveness - "Defensiveness is reduced if people ask questions rather than make statements."

Tentativeness - "A question - framed in a tentative manner - reduces defensiveness and can also contribute valuable information (e.g., 'Don't you think it'd be better if we . . . ')."

Empathy - ". . . put yourself in the shoes of your audience."

Resources:

Hurst, D. C., & Thomas, J., (2004). "Developing team skills and accomplishing team projects." In T. Anderson & F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and Practice of Online Learning (pp. 195-240). Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University.

Lewis, C., (2000). "Taming the Lions and Tigers and Bears: The WRITE WAY to Communicate Online." In K. Anderson & B. Weight (Eds.), The Online Teaching Guide: A Handbook of Attitudes, Strategies, and Techniques for the Virtual Classroom (pp. 13-23). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Stavredes, T., (2011). Effective Online Teaching: Foundations and Strategies for Student Success. San Francisco: Wiley.

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Online communication lacks verbal and non-verbal cues such as intonation, gestures, stance, and facial expressions that are a regular part of face-to-face communication. The absence of these cues can quickly lead to misunderstandings in the online environment.

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Online communication is a very critical component of any online environment. There could be asynchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS NOT coordinated in time; such as a discussion forums, emails, blogs, wikis, etc.) or synchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS coordinated in time; such as a LIVE chat sessions, LIVE office hours, web-conferences, etc.) in an online environment.

What Is Netiquette?

By definition, etiquette is "the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group." In the online environment, netiquette, or internet etiquette, is a way of defining professionalism through network communication (Mintu-Wimsatt, Kernek & Lozada 2010). Netiquette refers to a set of core rules that delineates what should and should not be done with regards to online communication in order to maintain common courtesy (Shea 1994).

Netiquette Tips

Regardless of the type of communication used, you should always keep in mind the following:

be respectful

be considerate of others

write clearly and concisely

think through before responding

spell-check your responses

respond in a timely manner

use short paragraphs

Avoid the following:

CAPITAL LETTERS may be used to EMPHASIZE, but avoid typing in only capital letters as it may "sound" AS THOUGH YOU'RE SHOUTING!

rambling writing style; get to the point quickly

using offensive language

using slang language that may lead to misinterpretation

making fun of someone's ability to read or write

screens full of text

Office of Information Technology
Instructional Technology & Distance Education Services
Killam Library, Room 259
Phone: (956) 326-2792
Fax: (956) 326-2299
E-mail: elearning@tamiu.edu

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Netiquette: Etiquette Guidelines for Distance Learning

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Online communication is a very critical component of any online environment. There could be asynchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS NOT coordinated in time; such as a discussion forums, emails, blogs, wikis, etc.)

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Remember to always read what you write before posting!

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Remember to always read what you write before posting!