Netiquette – Course Module

Objectives:

o Students will identify rules and guidelines of Internet etiquette

o Students will determine if netiquette is properly used in given scenarios

o Students will support opinion with specific resource support

Introduction:

The Internet has become the most convenient way to communicate in today’s society. It is faster and easier than corresponding on paper and it offers a plethora of sources in which to share information. This technology often makes us forget that the Internet needs our respect in order to work to our advantage. It is easy to forget that behind every computer screen is a human being with feelings and a working brain. One must be mindful of certain rules of etiquette while using this extraordinary tool called the Internet.

Activity:

Think you know the etiquette rules of discussion boards or the popular lingo of email? Test your smarts by taking a Netiquette quiz created by Peggy Post, a guru on manners. Check your quiz answers and then read Post’s etiquette tips for emailing. Netiquette Quiz

Netiquette guidelines encompass the World Wide Web, Electronic Mail, Discussion Groups and more. Save yourself embarrassment from making a Net faux pas by reading these great tips. The Net: User Guidelines and Netiquette

This web site points out that we expect other drivers to observe the rules of the road and the same is true as we travel through cyberspace. Read these pointers to help you navigate politely on the Net. Master the Basics of Netiquette

Investigate the common dos and don’ts of the Net. These core rules of netiquette will assist you in your quest of an urbane cyberspace. Core Rules of Netiquette

Assignment:

Using the information gained from perusing the above websites, respond in at least 5 sentences to each of the following scenarios. Explain whether the situation is correct or incorrect in regards to netiquette. In your response, please mention the website that provided the solid support for your answer and paraphrase or quote information found on it.

Scenario #1

You are an active member of an online discussion group. Someone posts a specific question, which happens to relate to your personal hobby. You respond to the originator of the post directly instead of posting on the board for all to read. According to netiquette guidelines, is this a Net faux pas or a considerate move?

Scenario #2

Your co-worker Sally is known for responding to all emails she receives within 24-hours. She returns emails that have a sense of urgency in a shorter response time. When Sally leaves for vacation, she activates her e-mail’s “vacation response” feature, which lets folks know emails will not be answered as promptly. Wise or foolish moves?

Scenario #3

Boy, that guy in cubicle #4 really gets on your nerves! In an email to another co-worker, you blast the cubicle #4 guy by specifically stating why you can’t stand him while adding in some gossip you heard about his social life. You feel better after venting since the receiver of the email is a close friend as well as co-worker. Is this a yea or nay?

Scenario #4

You receive an email message from your cousin that includes the following abbreviations: IMO, BRB, LOL, BCNU, BTW, and

TTFN. What do these abbreviations stand for? Should you be offended by his message or just embarrassed that you aren’t up with the current lingo?

Scenario #5

You are fairly certain that a colleague has been reading your email. As a trap, you send an email to a friend gushing about an upcoming party at your house. You specifically mention names of people your colleague has been anxious to meet. The next day your colleague casually asks about the party you are planning. Aha – your suspicions have been confirmed. Now what? According to Netiquette, what steps should you follow and what consequences should be expected for this colleague?

Rubric:

Requirements	1	2	3
Scenario responses	Responded to one scenario in a few sentences without covering all required aspects	Responded to three scenarios covering most of the aspects requested	Responded to all five scenarios in at least 5 sentences each. Addressed all aspects of the situations
Applied Knowledge	No solid evidence of analyzing information from websites and applying it to explain each scenario	Correctly analyzed at least three of the situations by applying information from websites	Successfully applied the knowledge gained through reading the listed websites to correctly label and discuss each scenario
Support for Response	Responded without including source name or direct support for response	Included name of sources utilized for response without including quote or paraphrase.	Included the name of the source utilized as well as integrated at least one direct quote or paraphrase as support.

Additional Resources:

Has this activity got you thinking about your own etiquette on the Net? Surf these additional sources from more information.

Netiquette for New Users What a great site for new Net surfers! In easy language, this site explains the dos and don’ts of proper surfing.

Dear Emily Postnews – In a questions and answer format, this site provides clear-cut guidance covering a variety of Netiquette topics.