Ethics and Etiquette: Musings from the Readings - Session IV

It is critical for educators to support students as they progress through the four stages of technology integration: awareness, guided practice, modeling and demonstration, and feedback and analysis.  While students love to use technology and readily adapt to new tools and strategies, they often do not have a solid foundation to enable them to navigate safely or appropriately.  Digital etiquette must be taught both through educational activities and through the witnessing of appropriate use from educators as they model appropriate use and behavior.  The wise educator also creates and implements a plan to share such knowledge with parents as well so that all may support positive, acceptable use of available technologies.   Multiple resources for parents and students are linked via our school website as our city has created a page to provide internet safety links for educators and parents alike.

 

At my school, using tools such as Professor Garfield Internet safety videos with guided practice activities allows students to build a foundation for netiquette and appropriate use guidelines.  This is then reinforced when students create bookmarks, comic strips, or posters to reinforce what they learn.  These same items can then be used to decorate the classroom or library to keep the information visible.  When we as educators address various components of netiquette and responsible use, we are increasing the likelihood  that our students and families practice safe and ethical use of technology, exhibit positive attitudes, and demonstrate personal responsibility for their use of technology.  When parents and teachers are consistent in their expectations and approaches, students are more likely to benefit and internalize the messages being received.   

Multiple resources are readily available on the internet to help educators and parents share the message.  Resources are listed under the categories of Internet Safety and Netiquette and Responsible Use of Technology at http://www.portaportal.com/ guest access:  TBCapstone.