Students today are digital natives. There is little doubt about that. However, as our blogathon colleague Esen pointed out in the post called Technology...technology, our students need help and guidance to become good digital citizens. When they communicate online, one aspect of being a good digital citizen is netiquette.

Here's what I emphasize with my students:

1. Polite behavior is just as important in online communication as in real life, face-to-face.

2. Joking which can be "misunderstood" as insults must be avoided.

3. It is possible to express emotions online. Smileys (emoticons) can be used as a substitute for facial expressions. In the same way, CAPITAL LETTERS means that you are shouting or red colour expresses anger, etc. Care should be taken when expressing feelings in this way.

4. Appropriate language should be used. Spelling and grammar needs to be accurate .

Have a nice Sunny day!

:-) CoffeeAddict