Communication

=Digital Communications= The electronic exchange of information

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Do I use e-mail, cell phone, and instant messaging technologies appropriately when communicating with others? What rules, options, and etiquette do students need to be aware of when using digital communication technologies?

Digital Communication Issues • E-mail • Cell phones • Videoconferencing • Instant messaging • Text messaging • Blogs • Wikis

Examples of Inappropriate Digital Communication • Students leave ringers on high volume and keep their phones on during class time. • Students use instant messaging and e-mail shorthand for class assignments when asked to give complete answers. • Students use text messaging to cheat on tests. Examples of Appropriate Digital Communication • Students and teachers use digital communication devices when they will not interrupt what is going on in the school or classroom. • Digital communication technologies such as IM and blogs are used to support student activities in the classroom, such as sharing ideas or writings with others. • Teachers use blogs to inform parents of classroom activities.

Web Resource for Digital Communication Additional research can be found on many topic areas related to digital communication at the Pew/Internet research site: www.pewInternet.org.