I believe a well prepared activity can incorporate both asynchronous and synchronous communication. In this way, the benefits of both modes of communication can be utilized.  The following activity plans to use both forms over the duration of a week. This activity will rely mainly 2-way communication: teacher-student and student-student.  Classroom discussions and online postings will occur during this activity. The benefits of using technology to communicate and share information are easily recognizable. People can talk, share text, etc., all at the click of a button. Technology has the power to connect a multitude within a fraction of time. Its power is virtually limitless and timeless.  But, with this power, should technology communication be governed under some degree of proper social etiquette?

The following activity will explore appropriate social etiquette around technology. I will utilize a Moodle as the social platform or forum. Other teachers may choose a different platform, but I prefer the closed system offered by the Moodle.  As a teacher/administrator within Moodle, I will have the ability to reject/accept the posts of the student. I can guide or monitor their discussions by maintaining an appropriate level of respect and learning within the posts. If any post lacks, then the student will have the opportunity to repost. Given the system is closed; the discussions/posts of the students will not be accessible to the general online public. Only those granted permission by the teacher will have access to the Moodle. This is important since the mini-course, WebSafety 101, focuses on safe practices online, and Moodle will help maintain the students’ privacy and safety. Synchronous, face-to face, communications will occur at the beginning (to introduce), in the middle (to guide), and at the end (to summarize) this activity. The online, asynchronous portions of this activity can be completed at home, or at school during recess or lunch time. There is great flexibility in completing these online portions, while the face-to-face portions keep the activity flowing on track. This online activity is also a great opportunity for students to interact with their parents/guardians in reading and discussing these scenarios.

The Activity:     Social Etiquette

On Monday, the class will be divided into two groups, and instructions will be explained and discussed . Group A will post to scenario A; while group B will post to Scenario B (see below for scenarios).  What should they say/do in the different situations? Students are expected to reply online to their assigned scenario by Wednesday. At that time, the teacher will accept or decline each of the posts, and individually discuss with each student.  Students will be assigned posts from the opposing scenario. By the following Monday, they will be expected to reply online to the assigned post from the other student. This asynchronous communication can occur in class or at home. Again, the teacher will accept or decline the online replies. On the following Wednesday, the original author will be given a chance to comment on the reply, during classroom time in the computer lab.  A full class discussion will following, with the objective to solidify an understanding of appropriate technology etiquette, at least for these two situations. There is an expectation that students will be able to extend the social etiquette in using all forms of technology.

Scenario A 

Paul texts you after receiving a text from his friend, Pam.  She has sent a message saying that Joe’s parents were getting a divorce. It was on her friend’s Facebook.  Joe has been your best friend for 3 years, but he hasn’t said anything to you about this.

What you would do in this situation? Do you talk to Joe? Do you text Paul? Pam?

Scenario B

Everyone has left the lunch room. You are left alone and notice an I-phone on the adjacent table. When you pick it up, the screen displays an e-diary posting, written by John, a fellow classmate that you barely know.  You read on. 

 John is very sad. He expresses feelings of loneliness and uselessness. He talks of his girlfriend that is always ‘putting him down.’  She often ridicules him around their friends, and in private, tends to physically harm him. He has often lied about the bruises.  He doesn’t think he can go on much longer.

 What will you do, with the phone? And with the information you have read? 

Reference:

Knorr, C. (Ed.). Talking about sexting, Common SenseMedia  (November 19, 2010), Retrieved from:  http://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/talking-about-sexting

Top 10 Text Messaging Do and Don’ts. www.textingadvice.com.  (May 21, 2008) retrieved from  http://www.textingadvice.com/guidelines/top_10_texting_dos_and_donts.htm