question 4 Digital Etiquette

Introduction to Digital Etiquette

        The basic idea behind the topic of digital etiquette is "treat others how you want to be treated." From an early age, students are taught this golden rule. Whether at home, at the movies, at a grocery store or in school, students learn that there are appropriate and inappropriate ways to behave and treat one another. With the overwhelming emerging technology and its involvement in our daily lives, it is fundamental that students transfer that understanding of appropriate behavior into the digital world. Students need to know that their choices, their words and their actions in the digital world can truly have an impact on others. In addition, poor choices can lead to consequences and/or loss of certain privileges. Educators and parents must be role models for our students and discuss these issues with them. The students will be more successful if parents and educators are proactive in engaging in discussions and lessons so that students understand the rules of digital etiquette.
        Considering the needs of current students, it is important to recognize that parents and educators alike were not instructed on how to behave in the digital world because those opportunities were not yet available. Without the experience of these technologies and online resources, many parents and educators often do not realize the important rules children need to learn prior to participating in our digital world. Digital etiquette provides an insight for parents, educators and students as it addresses the appropriate conduct, the best practices for technology use and the consequences for misuse of technology resources. To become informed digital citizens, parents and educators must learn about this topic and the issues involved in order to address the topic with our students. It is a continuous learning process and as new technologies emerge, there is a potential for new issues to arise. By being informed and prepared for the digital world, students will be able to act responsibly, make appropriate choices, and enjoy the many benefits that accompany technology use.