A Kid's Guide to Etiquette on the Net

The textbook, Teachers Discovering Computers, provides many great connections for teachers to use in their specific discipline. From the "Integration" corner from Chapter 2, under the Early Childhood discipline, there is a web article provided which discusses internet etiquette-or "netiquette"-which informs teachers how to guide children in proper behavior on the internet. It is important for students to learn "manners" when surfing the web. Some rules suggested by the website include do unto others as you would have others do unto you, do not type in all capital letters for emphasis, be careful not to use rude or bad language online, don't break any laws, be universal and remember that other users have different Web browers, make a good impression, and be patient with newcomers. It is also important for students to maintain manners when using email and online discussion groups.

This website is a good reminder to Elementary and Early Childhood educators especially to help students develop good web skills and manners when using the internet. A teacher should not want his or her students to venture onto the World Wide Web in the classroom setting without them being familliar with the acceptable rules of Internet behavior. As an elementary teacher, I need to remind my students to be polite and courteous at all times when communicating on the computer as well as be respectful to the resources that are being provided for them. Teachers should develop "netiquette" boundaries for their students in the classroom to help facilitate proper use of technology in the classroom.