Using the Internet

Establishing An Internet Classroom: Netiquette

The term netiquette describes good Internet behavior. You need to be aware of appropriate Internet behavior and make sure your students understand the standards to which they must adhere when using the Internet.

Good Manners

When writing E-mail, remember that the messages you send are a direct reflection of you and your school. Your recipients' impression of you may be based solely on how you communicate through E-mail. To be an effective Internet communicator, follow these basic guidelines:

Internet Etiquette

• Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Keep your messages short.
• DO NOT USE ALL CAPS! It looks like you're yelling.
• Keep the tone appropriate to the situation.
• If writing a personal note, feel free to use :-) happy faces or :-( sad faces.
• Never send prank mail. (Remember that your return address is automatically included in all correspondence.)

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Ethics

As a guide to overall computer usage, you can post or hand out the Ten Ethics Commandments from the Computer Ethics Institute:

• Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
• Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
• Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
• Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
• Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
• Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
• Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
• Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
• Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

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