Journal #4

Villano, M (2008, September). Text unto others... as you would have them text unto you. T.H.E. Journal, Retrieved September 20, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23225

This article is about the increasingly important topic of making students good citizens not only in the real world, but also in the virtual world. This article tackles many of the issues that are already present on the internet, as well as provides many different tips to teach children. This article deals with issues about students’ safety on the internet as well as issues with cyber bullying and copyright dilemmas. In the article, a specialist on the issue gives nine ways to instill good citizenship in students. The article also explores the idea of whose responsibility it actually is to teach students netiquette. Many people believe it is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children proper technology behavior since the students spend the most time using technology outside of school. However, others argue that many students aren’t having any guidelines at home and most parents are completely clueless.

Question 1: What is the most affective way to reach students on the issue of netiquette?
Answer 1: I think the most affective way to reach students is to help them comprehend that everything they do on a computer screen or using a cell phone will affect someone else. I think many issues dealing with netiquette stem from people getting so wrapped up in the screen in front of them and forgetting that there is someone on the other side of that screen. People tend to say and do things that they would never do in real life, but when you spend all your time in a different reality, a virtual reality, it is difficult to remember other people are involved.

Question 2: How are teachers supposed to make time for netiquette in already jam packed school days?
Answer 2: Teachers are under so much pressure already to produce based on the strict standards, that it doesn’t leave much time for extra activities. I think the best way to handle this is to post a list of class composed netiquette rules in the classroom and also closely monitor students when they are using technology. Also teachers must make sure this issue is sent home. Teachers should provide some sort of resources for parents to understand what the current issues are and how to protect their children. Teachers can send home newsletters or even hold meetings for parents to get their questions answered.