1. How should we
communicate online?

2. “Net” + “etiquette” =
Netiquette
Netiquette are the manners
that everyone should follow
when communicating online.

3.  Be nice and respectful
 Just because you can’t see someone, doesn’t mean that
person can’t have his/her feelings hurt. If you won’t say
it to someone’s face, then don’t feel free to say it in
writing.
 Don’t bully. Bullying at recess is the same as bullying in
an email or blog comment. Remember that everything
written online is there forever, so don’t let your online
footprint be one that shows bullying.

4.  Don’t use bad language.
 Using bad language just proves you don’t
know how to say something well.
 Any comments with bad language will
earn you a one-way ticket to the principal.

5. Don’t spread rumors or lies.
 This is a form of bullying and is
against the law.
 Words and writing are powerful.
Treat that power with respect.

6.  DON’T SHOUT.
 All caps=shouting.
 Use all caps like you would a
highlighter—only occasionally.

7.  Don’t break the law.
 Stealing from others isn’t just
impolite; it’s illegal. That means
files, movies, music, etc.
 If someone else did the work, don’t
take it without asking.

8.  Control Flame Wars.
 “Flaming” is when the fires of gossip get out of
control and rapidly spread.
 Don’t get caught up in it. If someone comments
in a discussion in an emotional way or in a way
that breaks another rule of netiquette, don’t get
involved.
 Report any “flaming” to Ms. Knight
immediately.

9. Be forgiving.
 Everyone is new at this.
 Everyone (even Ms. Knight) may
occasionally make a mistake, like a
spelling error.
 Let the small things pass.

10.  Start by reading a blog for a while. (This is
called lurking.)
 When you feel comfortable (or when you are
instructed to), join in the discussion by
commenting on a blog post.
 Just remember that there are some
netiquette rules when commenting on a
blog.

11.  Don’t say anything you wouldn’t say in
person.
 Stay on topic.
 Bring something new to the conversation.
 Don’t be a know-it-all smarty-pants.
 Make your tone clear.
 Cite your sources with links.
 Don’t comment when you are emotional.

13.  Fitzgibbon, Kathleen. Teaching with
Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts & More. New York:
Scholastic, Inc., 2010. Print.
 Using Blogs and Podcasts to Promote Reading. New
Literacies in the Classroom, 2010. Web. 29 Aug. 2011.
<http://newliteraciesintheclassroom.wordpress.com/>.
 Wolpert-Gawron, Heather. Internet Literacy: Grades 3-
5. Westminster, CA: Teacher Created Resources, 2010.
Print.