Its been quite the hiatus. Its good to be back.....
So today we will discuss something that is rather subjective but requires consideration from all. I am talking about your etiquette on the net or NETiQUETTE. All the "rules," courtesies & policies of communication integrate with technology and electronic messaging to form your Digital Citizenship.
This article was quite engaging. It touched on 9 disciplines or aspects of your Digital Citizenship. Etiquette, Communication, Education, Access, Commerce, Responsibility, Rights, Safety and Security are all part of our electronic profile aka Digital Citizenship. Each of these disciplines has importance to teachers, administrators, parents and students alike. The later of course is typically the targeted or threatened party in web-browsing, access and communication. Ribble, Bailey and Ross use the article to deliver a streamlined dichotomy of inappropriate use/behavior versus strategies to counteract such inappropriateness.
As a TECH HEAD I resonated with the Communication (discipline) because through communication we can purchase, share information (public and private) and lose or maintain our safety. And Not only are we at risk in a potential austere environment but we are also modeling behavior (whether we realize it or not) for students and young people alike to mimic. This includes lapses in security or inadequate security measures.
As a PARENT I found agency in the ideals of the Responsibility and Safety disciplines. Both of which speak for themselves when you are a mother or father. The strategies identified to combat inappropriate behavior and actions are sound and rudimentary. They require few resources to implement and can flexible, based on the needs of your target population. With your child or children's safety in mind we should always consider whether our own actions are appropriate. Ask yourself am I being a responsible purchaser (of online products), am I protecting my personal information during the course of my online activities. The strategies listed can help you answer these questions and provide additional support, security and exemplified behavior to the web-browsing and communicating arena.
I recommend that you not -just take my word that this is a good article. I suggest you read it for yourself as the strategies alone are worth the 6 minutes it will take for you to peruse the entire article.
Bailey, D., Ribble, M. & Ross, T. (2004) Learning & Leading with Technology Volume 32 Number 1, ISTE: Eugene, OR
