# data[].attributes.body
This project has brought multiple topics to my attention that are obscenely important to educate elementary and middle school students.  Everything on the internet is permanent and it would be foolish for an adolescent to get into trouble because they simply were not educated on the subjects of Netiquette and Digital Law.  The internet can be seen as a fun place to explore and learn but it can also be a dangerous place if you do not use it correctly and efficiently. Our future generations deserve to be safe on the web and it is our job to help them stay safe and educated.

# data[].attributes.body
I found this project was very interesting and informative. Before researching these topics, I had never heard of Netiquette or Digital Law. Now that I know what it is, I am aware of how serious of an issue it is. Students are young and some may not even know how scary the Internet can be. It is so easy for someone to post something online that they may not mean or that may be misread and it is our job as educators to teach children to be safe and respectful to prevent them from harm and cyber bullying. If we continue to teach these topics in the classroom and remind students to practice good ethics online, they will understand its importance and help keep themselves safe.

# data[].attributes.body
This project introduced me to the topic of Digital Law. I knew that whatever I posted, downloaded or typed out on the Internet was my responsibility, but I never realized the legalities that came along with it. In middle school, all of my friends would download music off illegal websites for free and it was almost normal. Proper education of the consequences of breaking digital law must be implemented to avoid unnecessary issues for those that were simply not educated on the topic.

# data[].attributes.body
Anything and everything can be found online. Because of this, students can freely search anything and can be exposed to harmful and inappropriate information. I think it is extremely important to protect students from this and to teach them about their legal rights and responsibilities. When I was a kid, I was always told to watch what pictures I post online and what I say to people. I never knew that saying or posting the wrong thing could have real legal consequences or even could unintentionally be considered cyber bullying. With advancing technology, people can find so many things online and children need to be aware of what is good and what is bad on the Internet and with technology in general.

# data[].attributes.body
Prior to this lesson, I didn’t even know what Netiquette was. Now that I am more familiar with the term and its effect it can have on students and in the classroom, I feel it is an important topic for students to be taught. Technology is constantly changing and updating and it is important for students especially, to be respectful and polite online. Students may not be aware of how their online words and actions can harm them and the people around them. It is our job as educators to inform them on the matter and explain to them how to practice good online behavior.

# data[].attributes.body
Netiquette is a topic that has been brought to my attention multiple times over the years. In high school is when I began to email questions to my teachers. I never wanted to come off as cold or rude so I would include a smiley face or two to keep things friendly and light. It was a my tenth grade English teacher that taught us how to be professional when it came to the web. What I learned was to never use emoji in professional emails, which made me feel embarrassed, but I was glad I found out then instead of later. After this enlightening lesson, I felt strongly about Netiquette and the education of it starting at a much younger age. Technology is growing and children are using it at younger ages so I feel more education on it will better prepare them for the future.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2000, Congress passed the Children’s Internet Protection Act to protect children from inappropriate or harmful content on the Internet. CIPA forces schools and libraries to utilize Internet safety policies, such as blocking scary and harmful sites and pictures. Schools must monitor online activities of minors and educate children about appropriate online behavior. It is important for children to be protected in order to prevent them from harm and address cyberbullying issues.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act
https://usac.org/sl/applicants/step05/cipa.aspx

# data[].attributes.body
Digital Law can be defined as a person's digital responsibilities and their legal rights related to the ethics of technology and online information. This ensures that people are held responsible for any misconduct or unethical decisions they may make online.

Sharing music, downloading television episodes, removing copyright protection, using commercial software you didn't pay for are all examples of how we often break digital law this generation.

Digital law has a clear relationship with children’s internet safety.  Children are often left unattended on the world wide web, searching and downloading things that are illegal without their knowledge. Something as simple as downloading a song illegally can cost someone a whole lot of trouble.  Children may not always be using the internet as safely as a digital citizen who has more knowledge of how to utilize the web and the digital laws to follow when online.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/papers/fut95fnl.htm

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/copyright/digitalrights/legislation

http://www.teachhub.com/how-teach-digital-citizenship

# data[].attributes.body
According to those from auburn.edu, the term "Netiquette" refers to the do's and don'ts when it comes to professionalism on the web.  When it comes to emails, social sites or any online communication, it is vital to use netiquette considering online relations are non-verbal. Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation are a few things that should be revised when it comes to sending out emails for work, submitting homework assignments or anything business/career related.

https://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4

# data[].attributes.body
1. Know where you are in cyberspace.

Netiquette changes based off what domain you are using and with whom. For example, what you might email to a friend may not be appropriate to email to a teacher or someone you work with

2.Avoid jokes and sayings that may be misunderstood.

Jokes, sarcasm, quotes, and other sayings may be read or viewed in the wrong way. Avoid comments and anything that may be offensive to another person and if you are going to use sayings, make it known that you are making a joke out of it.

3. Allow people to express themselves.

Everyone is allowed to express their feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. Even if you and another person do not agree on an issue, you both have the right to say your opinion so be respectful of that.

4.  Think of what you would say to someone in person v.s. online.

How someone behaves online may be different from how that person behaves in person. Try to be ethical and do not say anything online that you would not say face-to-face.

5. Make yourself look as good as you can online.

Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling online. Make sure you use full sentences and be as polite and respectful as possible.

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/internet-safety-younger-elementary-mary-beth-hertz

# data[].attributes.body
A short video that explains how to act online to protect yourself andothers.

# data[].attributes.body
A short video on Digital Law and its consequences.

# data[].attributes.body
To teach a group of young students about Netiquette, start by asking the students how they practice good manners at home, in the classroom, and in public. Continue to explain to the students that it is important to know the “do’s” and “don’ts” of talking online as well. Show the students the “Netiquette For Young Students” video on YouTube (link found below.) Then, ask the students if they have any questions on the video. End the lesson by giving examples of good and bad online netiquette and have students point out which ones are good and which ones are bad.

# data[].attributes.body
With your third grade class, introduce the concept of plagiarism. Ensure that the students understand that including someone else's work into their without proper credit for ti will result in a serious consequence. Write down the books they enjoy to read, and make sure it is clear that if they were to write a book report on their favorite book, taking words directly from it would be wrong.
-Melissa Williams