Netiquette Netiquette (short for "network etiquette" or "Internet etiquette") is a set of social conventions that facilitate interaction over networks, ranging from Usenet and mailing lists to blogs and forums.
(From Wikipedia – As much as I don’t love Wikipedia as an official resource, I’ve got to admit it has a great definition!)
In other words, these are the guidelines for you to follow in our online section of this course! In addition, we are all bound by the Westerly Public School’s Internet Use Policy located in the WHS Student Handbook page 57 and found on the WPS District Main page
These are the basic Guidelines of our online classroom communication:
1. Remember the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have done to you.
(It's simple, Treat people the way you wish to be treated!)
2. Mind your Manners. Be polite in tone and non-abusive. (WHS Student handbook, 57.) 3. Use appropriate language at all times. Swearing, vulgarities or any other inappropriate language will not be tolerated. (WHS Student handbook, 57.)
4. Use only constructive comments to others' posts.
5. Be positive in your responses, it is much nicer (and more appreciated) than tearing someone apart (which is not only disrespectful, but also just sad and mean.)
6. Respond in a thoughtful, productive, and polite manner.
7. Respect and be sensitive to the points of view of other students.
8. Ask yourself, "Would I say this to a person's face?" Then stop and think before you post. It is easier to not post something than to erase it from people's memories after it has already been put in the public domain for others to see.
9. Proofread and Spell check. (This is part of your classwork and will be graded!) Make sure your postings are easy to read and understand.
10. Follow all school rules and Internet Use Acceptability policies.
Things you should NOT do: Ever.
1. DO NOT USE ALL CAPS. It is considered shouting in the on-line world of communicating and is rude. :-(
2. Do not reveal Personal addresses, phone numbers, password or images of students, colleagues or staff. (WHS Student Handbook, 57.)
3. Do not post Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities; these will be reported to the authorities. (WHS Student Handbook, 57.)
4. Do not transmit spam, malware or other inappropriate content (WHS Student Handbook, 57.)
5. Do not participate in any form of cyber bullying; it will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. (WHS Student Handbook, 57) This includes: Do not intimidate or abuse other people in this class in any way.
6. Do not read into someone's comment or question and take it personally. Sometimes people don't read what they post and type "stream of consciousness" and miss something that might be considered rude. Politely ask them to clarify their comments.
7. Do not be afraid of making a mistake; we learn from them.
8. Do not be arrogant or smug when you find a mistake someone has made; everyone makes them. (... maybe even you sometimes!)
9. Do not get frustrated by technology that's being uncooperative. Do your best to solve any problems on your own and then seek help from someone else, such as me, or a fellow student. The truth is, if you are having a technology problem, other students are most likely having the same issue!
10. Do not copy or use someone else's work without first getting permission. Any time you use a resource, including a text, another student, or a teacher, be sure to attribute the contribution to him/her/it. “Cheating and plagiarism in any form cannot be permitted; downloading and copying information from websites without appropriate citations is prohibited.” (WHS Student Handbook, 41)