Digital+Communication

Communication has been drastically changed since the Digital Age has brought in multiple tools into every day life. Individuals communicate with each other with a wide variety of sources: e-mail, cell- and i-phones, instant messaging, and social networking, to name a few. People are constantly communicate with each other and have an opportunity to access information any time. To become an effective communicator in modern society everyone should know general rules and tools of digital communication.


 * Private Identity information
 * Meeting People online
 * Security
 * Online privacy

** Definition: **
The electronic exchange of information

"Cell phones, instant messaging (IM), social networking, and email have changed the way technology users communicate. These forms of communication have created a new social structure governing who, how, and when people interact.

Digital communication provides users with instant access to others on an unprecedented level. Many prefer using email over a phone call because email provides a record of the message. But there are consequences to this built-in record-keeping feature. Users forget that even though they may delete a message it is usually stored on a server or is backed up for future review. This means users need to think about what they say when using email. Likewise, email technologies can be used inappropriately. Too often, emails are sent without considering who might see them or how they might be interpreted. It is easy to write the first thing that comes to mind in an email and then send it before considering the long-term consequences. Sometimes speaking to someone face-to-face can solve a situation faster than multiple emails.

What positive outcomes do instant messaging, blogs and social networks enable? What potentially negative effects must be mitigated, and how? Do we need to be in contact with other people all the time? Do we understand what is appropriate when communicating with other technology users? These technologies are inherently neither good nor bad -- it's only use that makes them so -- so there is no universal solution to these questions." (//Digital Citizenship in Schools,// ISTE, 2007)

**Digital Communication Issues**
- Email - Social networks - Instant messaging - Blogs

** Examples of Inappropriate Digital Communication **
- Inappropriate postings on blogs and social networks - Use of email and instant messaging to cheat

**Examples of Appropriate Digital Communication**
- IM and blogs are used to support classroom activities, such as sharing ideas or writings with others. - Using blogs to inform the community about school/classroom activities

** Digital Communication Guidelines: ** 1. Never post your personal information, such as cell phone number, address, or the name of your school. 2. Consider going through your profile and removing information that could put you at risk; remember, anyone has access to your online profiles, not just people you know. 3. Protect your friends by not posting any names, ages, phone numbers, school names or locations. Refrain from making or posting plans and activities on your site. 4. Think before posting your photos. Don't reveal personal information through photos such as where you live or go to school. 5. Never give out your password to anyone other than a parent or guardian. Use strong passwords. 6. Remember that once you write information online, you can’t take it back. Even if you delete the information from a page, older versions exist on other people’s computers. 7. Ensure that the manner you act/behave online accurately represents who you are and doesn't incriminate you in any way, shape, or form. Understand the future repercussions of the actions you take online. 8. Be careful of relationships developed online; you never //really// know who you’re dealing with. 9. Be familiar with the guidelines and preference settings for particular blog sites, IM protocols, or social networking sites that you use. 10. Never respond to harassing or rude comments. Discontinue online relationships with people who continually leave these types of messages.

(Adapted from Tips for Kids and Teens to Stay Safer When Using Blogs and Social Networking Sites- www.NetSmartz.org)

**Email Guidelines**
1. KISS- A famous acronym for "Keep It Short and Simple" 2. Think before you send - Know your purpose for the email and if you require a response, make sure your request is clear. 3. Avoid all staff emails - Make sure it is information that is necessary, relevant, and important for all staff 4. Remember that email is never private - Consider a face to face conversation if your imformation requires privacy. 5. Be careful with reply to all and forward - These features are often overused and misused. 6. Be careful with humor and sarcasm - Email is not confidential; your personal information can often be seen by others. 7. Avoid using attachments to distribute files. - Use networks, portals, and online storage systems for large documents. 8. Avoid using fancy signatures and images (dancing smiley faces gadget things - what do you call these?) - 9. Limit inbox notification features - The sound functions and live screen notifications can cause unecessary distractions. 10. Prevent sharing email addresses in a message - To ensure privacy use the Bcc feature when sending out messages to a large group.