Teaching Netiquette

Before throwing any social media use into the mix, teachers must start with the basics. Netiquette – internet ethics and etiquette – should be taught first. Just because students use social media each and every day, does not mean they are using it in an honest, respectful manner. In fact, in many cases, it is quite the opposite. Teachers have an awesome opportunity to teach students how social media can both enhance and expand their learning, but only if it is used properly.

According to the Alliance for Childhood, “children highly benefit from learning ethics in face-to-face interactions” which makes the teaching of internet ethics in the classroom so important. So you might be wondering why type of ethics I’m talking about. When it comes to using technology and social media in the classroom, students should at least be taught about…

Copyright. 
Academic honesty (plagiarism). 
Electronic communications. 
Social networking. 
Cyberbullying. 
And confidentiality.

Teachers must provide clear guidelines on expectations; there should be no gray area. In one of my previous graduate classes, a professor shared a piece of advice from Gweneth Jones, the daring librarian. Jones believes that “on social media, it’s good to overshare the professional; under share the personal; and NEVER share the private. Because that’s just creepy!” This would be good advice to share with students, because it’s funny and easy to remember.

Another good list of Internet netiquette rules was written by the Computer Ethics Institute. They are titled “The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics” and are as follows:

1.      Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

2.     Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

3.     Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

4.     Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

5.     Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

6.     Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

7.     Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

8.     Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

9.     Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

10.  Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Students should be guided in their social media use and not left to their own devices (no pun intended). If your school district has a technology and/or social media policy, it should be read and discussed with the students. Knowing the district’s policies is also a good way to ensure that you, as the teacher, won’t get into any trouble when using social media in the classroom. Students should also be given an opportunity to reflect on their social media use so that improvement can be made to their practices.

Incorporating social media into the classroom may seem daunting and even a little scary. But if done correctly, social media platforms can make the curriculum more engaging and more relevant for your students. Just remember to start with the basics; start with netiquette.