Digital+Etiquette

**Digital Etiquette Definition**
The standards of conduct expected by other digital technology users. “Good digital citizens respect others and learn ways to use technology courteously and effectively." (//Digital Citizenship in Schools, // ISTE, 2007 //“Good digital citizens respect privacy and property of others and learn ways to use technology courteously and effectively." // The standards of conduct expected by other digital technology users

(If we look at Emily Post's definition of etiquette, written in 1928, it is still applicable in this day and age and the digital context: "Etiquette is the foundation upon which social structure is built. Every human contact is made smooth by etiquette, or ackward by the lack of it.")

"Responsible digital behavior makes every user a role model. We watch how others use a technology and assume if others can use it in that manner, so can we. The problem with teaching digital technology is that few guidelines have been established for the proper use of these tools. The proliferation of new technologies has created a steep learning curve for all users. Some users are more adept and in tune with others, and those who lag behind often do not understand the subtle rules that have emerged among early adopters.In the past, it was up to the adults to teach basic etiquette to children before they reached school. The problem with new technologies is that adults have not been informed about what is appropriate and what is not. Very often, adults and students alike are learning from their peers. . . . This can be a difficult process for both student and adults. Behavior that may be considered poor digital etiquette by older users may be viewed very differently by students. In the past, it was polite to excuse oneself from a conversation before doing something else, but today those rules have been bent almost to the breaking point. . .As members of a digital society, we are asked to do what is best for the larger group. To do this, we must think about how our technology use affects others. Good digital citizens respect others and learn ways to use technology courteously and effectively." ( ISTE, 2007)

** Digital Etiquette Issues **
- Using technology in ways that minimize the negative effects on others - Using technology when it is contextually appropriate - Respecting others online: not engaging in cyberbullying, flaming, inflammatory language, and so forth

** Examples of Inappropriate Digital Etiquette **
- Being distracted by your digital object (phone, computer...) during a meeting or class - Having loud, public conversations on your phone - Forwarding messages without cleaning them up, therefore exposing the email address of all previous recipients

** Examples of Appropriate Digital Etiquette **
- Respecting and protecting the privacy of your email contacts - Having your phone on silent mode during meetings or class - Being aware of your present action and its effect on your surroundings

=Guidelines =

Doug Johnson talks about the 3 P’s of technology ethics: 1- **P **rivacy – I will protect my privacy and respect the privacy of others 2- **P **roperty – I will protect my property and respect the property of others 3- A(**P**)propriate Use – I will use technology in constructive ways and in ways which do not break the rules of my family, religion, school or government. 1- Thou shall not use a computer to harm other people. 2- Thou shall not Interfere with other people’s computer work. 3- Thou shall not snoop around in other people’ s computer files. 4- Thou shall not use a computer to steal. 5- Thou shall not use a computer to bear false witness. 6- Thou shall not copy or use propriety software for which you have not paid. 7- Thou shall not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation. 8- Thou shall not appropriate other people’s intellectual output. 9- Thou shall think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system your are designing. 10- Thou shall always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
 * the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics by the Computer Ethics Institute **

The following rules are stated positively: [|www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html] Remember the Human Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life Know where you are in cyberspace Respect other people's time and bandwidth Make yourself look good online Share expert knowledge Help keep flame wars under control Respect and protect other people's privacy Don't abuse your power Be forgiving of other people's mistakes SAFETY PRACTICES:

Remember that email is never private. email written on school computers may be the property of the school. the so-called deleted email is not deleted and is still on the hard drive. place only general information in your email signature( no home phone or home address). do not reply to Spam( chain ads, chain letters, junk mail). choose a passwrod that is easy to remember but difficult to link to you. never give your email passwords to others.

NETIQUETTE

Compose all but brief messages offline to minimize network traffic. Limit each message to one topic and keep it succinct. Use subject headings that are descriptive. Reply promptly to messages received. When replying, restate only enough of the message to clearly identify context. Treat email to you as a reular mail letter. Do not forward it to others without the writer' s permission. Delete messages once you have read them. Don't be vulgar or offensive. Don't attempt to represent yourself as someone you are not. Don't criticize others on the network. Supply clues if you are intending to write using humor, irony, sarcasm, or emotion. Your intend may not be obvious to the reader. Using all uppercase in a ord or phrase SHOUTS. try :-) for a sideways smile or ;-) for a wink. Use signature footer that includes name, school, and email address. Practice safe comminucations. Don't spread viruses! Check downloaded executable files. Consider yourself a guest of the system and behave accordingly.