We are quick to encourage students to use devices because we want to teach them 21st Century Skills - but are we preparing them to be safe and responsible users?
Amid lock downs, shutdowns and slowdowns, globally schools, universities and teachers are scrambling to get their content and students to the virtual space to acquire a semblance of continuity in student learning. This is no easy feat. Ask any teacher and they will tell you how the past few weeks have been.
Sheer will, passion to teach and dedication to their profession are what's making teachers globally pull of nothing short of “miracles”
While we move to the digital space (and let’s not get into a debate about whether this is distance learning or not – this is remote learning without being face to face with the teacher) we have to think about etiquettes of being online.
This may seem like a moot point for many to think about it, but here’s the conundrum - when was the last time a lot of the students engaged in any kind of dialogue in the virtual space that was not meant to be “fun”?
Up to this point, iGens and Alphas, born into technology, have used technology to dabble in some homework and research, and a whole lot of socializing and playing games where language and conduct haven’t been of paramount importance.
As classrooms around the world begin to welcome students into their virtual platforms, it is crucial that we lay out policies and codes of behavior and conduct online for all.
Effective netiquettes will help manage expectations of teachers and students while engaging online.
Four broad areas to cover when preparing Netiquettes Policy are: Content, Language, Behaviour, Privacy and Sharing. Below I have provided some simple guidelines to consider for each area:
LANGUAGE WHEN TYPING
o Establish need to use the language of the campus - eg English only.
o Must avoid use Internet English. "You" is spelled "Y O U", not "U"
SHARED CONTENT
o Unless required by course content, avoid lengthy talks, videos – students lose interest as they have short attention span
o Encourage students to be clear and concise
o If students make mistake or use offensive words, inform them privately
o Content used by teacher or students should be free of plagiarism and other academic misconducts
ONLINE BEHAVIOUR
o Establish respect and courtesy towards all
o Ensure not to engage in argument – establish need to focus on topic rather than person when “debating”
o Encourage interaction but not off-topic “chatting”, mimicking classroom management
o Educate students to be forgiving
o Encourage re-reading posts before posting and asking for clarification before reacting.
o Lead by example
PRIVACY AND SHARING
o Never share or record any sessions or share screen shots etc anywhere, particularly public forums and social media
o Inform students of any recording that may have to take place in line with institutional policy
o Do not share and do not ask students to share private information.
o Be wary of cyber bullying and other harassment behavior such as stalking
For any issues or confusion, do not hesitate to contact your administrative staff for help and support.
Digital space is a wonderful platform to encourage innovative learning, but that can happen only when all follow netiquettes, making the space safe for all.
For any clarifications, do get in touch with me, and I will be happy to help as much as possible.
#digitallearning #netiquettes #schools #teachers #students #blendedlearning #distancelearning #inittogetherDubai
Images - pixabay.com
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