This video that I sourced from YouTube got me thinking about one of the negative aspects of social media, namely inappropriate online conduct. Time and time again I’m surprised by the level of anger and harsh comments that are left on peoples blogs, forums and social media pages. Although there are many wonderful things that can be gained by having an anonymous place to express opinions online, one of the downsides can be the lack of common courtesy. This video deals with these serious issues in a light hearted way, although it is aimed specifically at Facebook etiquette most of the rules can translate to any online environment.
Cyber bullying is a serious issue, having a lighthearted way to introduce discussion about this issue is a powerful tool for educators. Rule number two “don’t post embarrassing photos of other people” is a rule that is particularly important to discuss with high school students. There seems to be a really blasé attitude to taking and sharing photos without consent. Discussion about what is and isn’t appropriate can begin in the classroom. Educators can start to raise these issues by embedding information literacy skills in the classroom practice. Rule number five “don’t start hate groups” is a rule that can also be dealt with in the classroom. The educator can set up an inquiry task where students are asked to comment and write on each other’s work. The teacher can model appropriate positive comments and open discussion about what may or may not be appropriate. Starting a culture of open discussion where negativity can be left at the door may end up catching on and stay with the students when they get home. Educators can set their students up for happy, successful communication online by having best practice modeled for them as well as opportunities to get online in a safe environment. Giving students the tools to deal with inappropriate comments will help them participate in healthy online discussions.
Nadia’s Nexus (2010) has done well in acknowledging the issues that occur in young people’s lives. Negative aspects of youth behaviour do occur from time to time and developing strategies for them to prevent negative behaviour and the consequences that follow, is a smart move. Nadia’s Nexus (2010) is correct in her statement that Facebook etiquette is transferable and thus can be used to teach young people how to interact on social networking sites.
ReplyDeleteEthics is however not transferable across people. Young people need to understand that not all people share the same ethic codes. Nadia’s Nexus (2010) explorers the idea that education about what the right thing is will prevent negative behaviours like bullying. Nadia’s Nexus (2010) uses a practical approach to educate young people. This is a good move as through experience young people will learn why certain etiquette is welcomed and should be followed. Ensuring that it is acknowledged that in a normal social networking environment the teacher would not be there to resolve any issues that arise; students will learn that carrying out etiquette will have positive consequences. It must be remembered though that whilst this is a positive strategy there is an old saying that will always ring true. You can lead a horse to water but you can not make it drink.
Your choice of the Youtube Video, “Responsible relationships and you- Facebook manners”, for use as an teaching tool to enforce Cyberspace etiquette is excellent. The combination of humor and creativity whilst delivering sensible opinions on Facebook etiquette is a winning way which would be very popular with many students. It has provided me with another useful tool when I start to include digital literacy into my wide reading classes. Have you also thought about utilizing the Cybersmart site, http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/en.aspx? This site is a government initiative which has some useful resources for students as well as teachers. I have printed out their rules on ways to tackle Cyberbullying, and stuck them on the walls of our Global Learning Centre. When teaching students how to navigate social networking sites it would be great to show the Youtube video and also have the constant visual reminder of these rules on the library walls.
ReplyDeleteThe video is also another great example of how useful and informative Youtube has become as a video sharing social networking site. A great pedagogical approach could be to design lessons which include teaching students how to create their own version of Cybersafety etiquette through creating their own relevant Youtube videos. This would achieve increasing their awareness of internet etiquette whilst participating in a fun and creative activity.
By Fran
This is a Sayuri’s short response.
ReplyDeleteI think Nadia found an excellent YouTube video clip about Facebook etiquette and as she explains, the rules can be applied to other online settings. I agree with her that educators should provide opportunities for students to discuss cyber bullying and digital ethics.
However, knowing and deciding what is and is not appropriate may be difficult, particularly for teenagers. For example, I agree with Isa’s point about differing standards - what one person find funny another could easily find offensive.
I believe consulting with others is important if you use their photos and/or if you are not sure about their feelings on you posting their pictures on Facebook. Personally, I had an interesting experience in terms of rule number two “don’t post embarrassing photos of other people” (Youtube video on Facebook etiquette, 2009) in the video clip. But people make mistakes and they can learn from them. It is important to remember that it is not the end of the world. “There are ways to handle it maturely” (Waldron, n.d.). One such tactic is asking them politely to remove the material. (I did this recently and had a positive result with the outcome.) I believe educators should introduce these negotiation techniques to their classroom. This will give their students the necessary skill set to deal with uncomfortable online situations should they arise.
References
Waldron, J. (n.d.). Tips for handling embarrassing pictures of you on Facebook [Video webcast]. Retreived October 18, 2010, from http://www.helium.com/items/1924408-tips-for-handling-embarrassing-pictures-of-you-on-facebook
Youtube video on Facebook etiquette. (2009). [Video webcast]. Retrieved October 18, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iROYzrm5SBM
I have seen this YouTube video before and have used it effectively with a Year 6 class. Even though users are supposed to be 13 to use Facebook, the reality is that many of the students in my class have Facebook accounts and use them regularly. The majority of children in my class who have Facebook profiles have older siblings.
ReplyDeleteThere had been a couple of instances across the Year Level where children had posted some comments that were not appropriate. The school had been notified that there had been some instances of ‘cyberbullying’ occurring and it became necessary to incorporate some 'netiquette' lessons. Even though the ‘bullying’ was not happening at school, we felt that the issue had to be addressed at school because we had observed it was effecting social relationships in the playground as well.
After completing a series of lessons across the whole Year Level about the appropriateness of what should be posted on social network sites and how inappropriate comments can hurt other people, the 'cyberbullying' has stopped...for now!
I am not naive to think that this will not occur again in my primary school setting. However, I believe it is necessary to ensure that the incorporation of lessons that specifically teach children values and ethical use of technology are necessary on a regular basis.
Check this YouTube clip that I also used with my students, this was more powerful than the Fabebook Etiquette video. It is not humorous and it really made the children think about what they should and shouldn’t post. The message is simple, “If you wouldn’t say in person, why say it online?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdQBurXQOeQ
Posted by Kerrie (Cyberbuzz)
I totally agree with the idea that the best way to combat issues with social media, such as inappropriate content and use, is to open up a practical discussion in the classroom about it. Excluding students from the conversation and use of these sites, does nothing to address the issues and skills required to participate in the virtual world in an effective and meaningful way. It merely leaves kids to fend for themselves when they access these sites (which the majority of them no doubt do) outside the classroom, with no guidance, supervision,or awareness of the implications that are associated with them.
ReplyDeleteGetting students to think critically about their participation and contribution to online spaces, and consequently their online identity, is a really important issue associated with participatory culture. The YouTube video you have chosen highlights this, and the need for students and educators to engage in a practical and considered discussion around this issue.
There is a real fear and concern in our education system at the moment concerning access to sites such as YouTube and Facebook. This fear is a legitimate one, but it should also be balanced with a fear of what students might be missing if they don't have access to these sites at school. By excluding students from accessing inappropriate content, we are also excluding them from developing the skills to evaluate this content when they access it themselves at home. They are also excluded from appropriate content, including unique information, knowledge, and educational opportunities that would be of great value to their educational experience, and their abilities to use web 2.0 tools effectively.