Participate 1.1.1 Character Traits Quest

Learning today definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. As educators, parents, and community members it is our job to have rules that make our world a nice place to live. The virtual world offers wonderful resources that were unimaginable just a few years ago. I remember searching for teacher resources in the 1990s and finding about 3 items, but today the content is limitless. Unfortunately, it also be a playground for unkind behaviors. Teaching students to be digital citizens can steer students to all the advantages while avoiding the pitfalls. I believe the three most impressive character traits are communicating appropriately, using respect and most importantly remembering safety first.

1. Communicate appropriately.

When you cannot see facial expressions or body language, emails, posts, and blogs can be misinterpreted. Communication needs to be analyzed more carefully to make sure that the intended message is clear. The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill gives some tips for writing an email, but I believe they could be applied in general when communicating virtually.

• Think about your message before you write it
• Reflect on the tone of your message.
• Strive for clarity and brevity in your writing.
• Format your message so that it is easy to read
• Proofread. (I laugh because I am the best proofreader after I click send!)

"Effective E-mail Communication." The Writing Center at UNCChapel Hill Effective Email Communication Comments. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

2. Respect.

This is can be anything from making sure posts are fair and true to respecting others digital property. Applying the respect rule to the virtual world needs to be taught and reinforced. Showing and teaching content respect is needed. Digital citizen has great resources on online plagiarism. Good parenting and teaching is having the conversation and dialogue about respect.

http://www.digitalcitizensalliance.org/cac/alliance/postdetail.aspx?Id=193



3. Safety First.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children identify risks that children face daily on the internet.

• Cyberbullying
• Exposure to inappropriate material
• Online predators
• Revealing too much personal information

It is important for children to be aware of these issues and follow rules and regulations to keep safe. Communication is the key to avoiding safety problems. Some basic tips they offer are the following: Keep the computer in a high-traffic area of your home.

•  Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.
•  Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so make sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices, and laptops.
• Surf the Internet with your children and let them show you what they like to do online.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using webcams.
• Continually dialogue with your children about online safety.

Basic Internet Safety. http://www.netsmartz.org/InternetSafety. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

Check Out My Slate: https://slate.adobe.com/cp/ru6LQ/