Digital+Etiquette


 * Digital Etiquette** as defined in the book authored by M Ribble and G Bailey is "the standards of conduct expected by other digital technology users." ( p10)

The authors address issues related to large and small scale use of technology. Specifically, etiquette refers to the "where, when, and how" use of any sort of technology. The fundamental issues relate to the fact that in the past, there was a known expectation of behavior while participating in society. Now however, with the increasing use of assorted devices locally and globally, it's becoming ever more difficult to ascertain "appropriate" use and behavior. Part of the problem stems from the fact that parents/adults are not aware of what is or is not appropriate. Another issue relates to varying viewpoints regarding what is suitable or not. For example, many people of the older generation would find it rude if not disrespectful to talk on a phone while speaking directly to another person. While at the same time, a person from the younger generation may not even understand or "see" it as an issue. Futhermore, younger people watch others and see how they act and follow along, sometimes not knowing if it's inappropriate use or behavior. In order to successfully model appropriate use, self-monitoring must take place. In fact, reflections should be made after thinking about one's own use as well as identifying how others utilize technology.

How might this relate to teachers at AGIS? Teachers need to be cognizant of their use of technology....how, when, and where it is utilized. A prime example is the use of cell phones during school hours. Is it appropriate to have the phone on so that it may ring during instruction? If necessary, what is a viable alternative ...perhaps selecting vibrate so that it does not disturb yet still provides notification of important news. Another example is the use of email...how, where, and when...including content. Also, educators need to be aware of how their students are utilizing technology both in and out of school. All in all, students see how teachers utilize technology, and they listen to how we speak about it. Without proper instruction, guidance, and experiences, they will not know what is appropriate. Providing them opportunities to experience specific situations can help them to understand that they are not "alone" as well as help them to understand that others are being affected by their actions.

Here are some of the websites provided by the authors:
 * General information for adults:

InfoWorld-The 10 Commandments of Cell Phone Etiquette: http://www.infoworld.com/articles/op/xml/00/05/26/000526opwireless.html Phoneybusiness.com-Mobile Etiquette: http://phoneybusiness.com/etiquette.html
 * Learning/instructional activities (awareness) for adults:

Foundational Lesson 5, p 103, Focus ? What is my responsibility as a digital citizen? Time for Citizenship: http://www.timeforcitizenship.org/

Activity 11, p65, Focus ? Are there times that technology should not be used? NetManners.com: http://www.netmanners.com/ RudeBusters: http://www.rudebusters.com/etitech.htm
 * Lessons for students

Guided Lesson 1, p 109, Focus ? Should people be able to use cell phones in crowded places? The Let's Talk.comCell Phone Etiquette Guide: http://www.letstalk.com/promo/unclecell/unclecell2.htm

Guidened Lesson 9, p 119, Focus ? What etiquette should be used while working online? PC World-Instant Messaging Etiquette: http://www.rudebusters.com/etitech.htm

Comments Kathy, I think you really hit the nail on the head with your comment "students see how teachers utilize technology, and they listen to how we speak about it". We should expect to be the ones doing the positive modeling of appropriate use as well as demonstrating new approaches to its use. (Debbie)