Computer etiquette for Ms. Hungerford’s class.

Netiquette is the use of proper etiquette, or good manners, on the internet. Netiquette covers all forms of online communications such as email, discussion boards, instant messaging, forums, social networking, and text messaging.

Check out this video on YouTube about Netiquette.

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Online communication can be difficult as you cannot use facial expressions, body language, or voice inflection to determine meaning.

It is often difficult to remember that you are interacting with real people online, and real people have real feelings that can be hurt when netiquette rules aren’t followed.

According to Emily Post, “Etiquette is the science of living.” If this is true, then netiquette is the science of living online. Given that kids “ages 8 to 18 spend more than seven and a half hours a day” online, netiquette is as important as etiquette, but not taught as frequently (Lewin 2010).

Click on the image to watch a video about the Core Rules of Netiquette, to learn more about interacting with others online.

Always be polite, courteous, and respectful to others.

Avoid the use of “ALL CAPS” as this indicates yelling.

Do not use profanity.

Do not respond to posts or comments when angry or upset.

Please use email for private communications. You may email the instructor at anytime with questions or concerns. Keep in mind that email is considered a formal means of communication and the following rules of netiquette apply.

Always include a descriptive subject line.

Use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Proofread and run spell check before sending messages.

Avoid the use of emoticons and acronyms.

Reply to email messages promptly.

Discussion boards are used for group communication and discussions about course topics established by the instructor. Your participation in discussion boards is required and the quality and quantity of posts will be graded throughout the course. Although not all discussion posts will be graded, you should observe the following rules of netiquette when posting to a discussion board.

Use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Proofread and run spell check before submitting posts.

Keep discussion posts on topic. Avoid the use of acronyms. Use emoticons only when

necessary to indicate tone of voice.

Instant messaging and chats are instantaneous and are often a more informal means of communication. Because of the nature of this form of communication, the following are allowed.

Use emoticons and acronyms to establish tone of voice.

Improper spelling, punctuation and grammar.

When communicating online, treat others as you would like to be

treated.

“The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time” (http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying).

Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. One in four has had it happen more than once.

One in three teens has experienced cyber-threats online. Nine out of ten middle school students have had their

feelings hurt online. About 75% have visited a website bashing another student. Four out of ten middle school students have had their

password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them.

Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying.

Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.

90% of victims will not inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse. (http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying).

Click on the image to be connected to an online Netiquette scavenger hunt.