This document provides guidelines for proper etiquette, or netiquette, when communicating online. It discusses how netiquette is important for email, discussion boards, instant messaging, and other forms of digital communication. Key aspects of netiquette include being polite, avoiding all caps text and profanity, and remembering that other users are real people with feelings. The document also addresses proper netiquette for different communication tools like using proper grammar for email but allowing informal language for chats. It emphasizes treating others online with the same respect you wish to be treated with.

1. Computer etiquette for Ms. Hungerford’s class.

2.  Netiquette is the use of proper etiquette, or
good manners, on the internet. Netiquette
covers all forms of online communications
such as email, discussion boards, instant
messaging, forums, social networking, and
text messaging.
Check out this video on
YouTube about Netiquette.
Click here

3.  Online communication can be difficult as you
cannot use facial expressions, body language, or
voice inflection to determine meaning.
 It is often difficult to remember that you are
interacting with real people online, and real
people have real feelings that can be hurt when
netiquette rules aren’t followed.
 According to Emily Post, “Etiquette is the
science of living.” If this is true, then netiquette
is the science of living online. Given that kids
“ages 8 to 18 spend more than seven and a half
hours a day” online, netiquette is as important
as etiquette, but not taught as frequently (Lewin
2010).

4. Click on the image to watch a
video about the Core Rules of
Netiquette, to learn more about
interacting with others online.

6.  Always be polite,
courteous, and
respectful to others.
 Avoid the use of
“ALL CAPS” as this
indicates yelling.
 Do not use
profanity.
 Do not respond to
posts or comments
when angry or
upset.

7. Please use email for private communications. You may email
the instructor at anytime with questions or concerns. Keep in
mind that email is considered a formal means of
communication and the following rules of netiquette apply.
Always include a descriptive subject
line.
Use proper spelling, punctuation, and
grammar.
Proofread and run spell check before
sending messages.
Avoid the use of emoticons and
acronyms.
Reply to email messages promptly.

8. Discussion boards are used for group communication and discussions about
course topics established by the instructor. Your participation in discussion
boards is required and the quality and quantity of posts will be graded
throughout the course. Although not all discussion posts will be graded, you
should observe the following rules of netiquette when posting to a discussion
board.
Use proper spelling, punctuation,
and grammar.
Proofread and run spell check before
submitting posts.
Keep discussion posts on topic.
Avoid the use of acronyms.
Use emoticons only when necessary
to indicate tone of voice.

9. Instant messaging and chats are instantaneous and are often
a more informal means of communication. Because of the
nature of this form of communication, the following are
allowed.
Use emoticons and acronyms to
establish tone of voice.
Improper spelling, punctuation and
grammar.

11. When communicating online, treat
others as you would like to be treated.

12. “The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to
real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying
there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is
available all the time” (http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying).
 Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. One in four has had it
happen more than once.
 One in three teens has experienced cyber-threats online.
 Nine out of ten middle school students have had their feelings
hurt online.
 About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.
 Four out of ten middle school students have had their password(s)
stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their
own account or sent communications posing as them.
 Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most
common medium for cyber bullying.
 Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and
perpetrators of cyber bullying.
 90% of victims will not inform a parent or trusted adult of their
abuse. (http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying).

13. Click on the image to be connected to an
online Netiquette scavenger hunt.