Lesson Plan
Digital Respect: Speak Up!
Students will be able to identify and apply principles of respectful online communication and understand the impact of their digital interactions.
In an increasingly connected world, knowing how to communicate respectfully online is vital for positive digital citizenship, fostering healthy relationships, and preventing cyberbullying and misunderstandings.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, scenario analysis, and reflection.
Materials
- Digital Respect: Speak Up! Slide Deck, - Online Communication Scenarios Activity, - Digital Respect Journal, and - Whiteboard or projector
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Digital Respect: Speak Up! Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
- Ensure access to a projector or whiteboard for the Digital Respect: Speak Up! Slide Deck.
- Print or prepare to display the Online Communication Scenarios Activity.
- Prepare copies or digital access for the Digital Respect Journal.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Digital Check-In
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: "How do you usually communicate with friends or family online? What are some quick ways you share messages or feelings?"
- Introduce the idea that online communication, while fast, can sometimes be tricky without face-to-face cues.
Step 2
Introduction: What is Netiquette?
5 minutes
- Display the Digital Respect: Speak Up! Slide Deck and introduce the term 'netiquette'.
- Explain that netiquette is simply 'internet etiquette' – the rules of respectful behavior online.
- Ask students for initial thoughts on why this is important. (Possible answers: to avoid misunderstandings, be kind, keep things positive).
Step 3
Scenario Analysis Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
- Provide each group with the Online Communication Scenarios Activity.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss the questions: What went wrong? How could it have been handled respectfully? What netiquette rule applies?
- Circulate and provide guidance as needed. After a few minutes, bring the class back together to briefly share one or two scenarios and their solutions.
Step 4
Key Principles of Respectful Communication
5 minutes
- Use the Digital Respect: Speak Up! Slide Deck to review key principles: Think before you post, be clear and concise, respect privacy, avoid negativity, and apologize when necessary.
- Connect these principles back to the scenarios discussed.
Step 5
Cool-Down: Reflect and Apply
5 minutes
- Distribute the Digital Respect Journal.
- Ask students to respond to the prompt: "What is one new thing you learned about respectful online communication today, and how will you apply it in your own digital interactions?"
- Collect journals or allow students to keep them for future reflection.
Slide Deck
Digital Respect: Speak Up!
Navigating online conversations with kindness and clarity.
Welcome students and introduce the topic of online communication. Ask them to think about how they communicate online and what challenges they might face.
What is Netiquette?
Definition:
Netiquette = Internet Etiquette
- The rules of polite behavior when communicating online.
Introduce the term 'netiquette'. Explain it's a blend of 'internet' and 'etiquette'. Ask students what 'etiquette' means in general and then apply it to the internet.
Why Does it Matter?
Think about it:
- Have you ever misunderstood a text or comment?
- Why is it harder to communicate online sometimes?
Importance:
- Avoid misunderstandings.
- Build positive online relationships.
- Prevent cyberbullying and negativity.
- Show respect to others.
Discuss why netiquette is important. Guide students to think about how words can be misinterpreted without body language or tone of voice. Emphasize preventing misunderstandings and fostering positive interactions.
Key Principle 1: Think Before You Post
The Golden Rule of Online Communication:
- Is it True? (Don't spread rumors)
- Is it Helpful? (Does it add value?)
- Is it Inspiring? (Does it uplift others?)
- Is it Necessary? (Is it appropriate for this platform/audience?)
- Is it Kind? (Would you say it face-to-face?)
Explain the 'Think Before You Post' rule. Ask students for examples of things they might regret posting if they didn't think first.
Key Principle 2: Be Clear and Concise
- Avoid jargon or slang that others might not understand.
- Use proper grammar and spelling (it makes your message clearer).
- Get straight to the point, but don't be so brief that your message is unclear.
- Consider your audience: who are you talking to?
Discuss clarity and conciseness. Explain how short, ambiguous messages can lead to misinterpretation. Encourage using full sentences or clearer language when complex ideas are being shared.
Key Principle 3: Respect Privacy
- Don't share private information about yourself or others.
- Think twice before tagging someone in a photo or post.
- Always ask permission before sharing someone else's personal content.
Talk about respecting privacy. This includes not sharing personal information about others without their permission, and being mindful of what you share about yourself.
Key Principle 4: Avoid Negativity & Bullying
- Don't participate in gossip or spreading rumors.
- Never engage in cyberbullying – it's hurtful and has serious consequences.
- If you see something negative, report it or talk to a trusted adult.
- Focus on positive interactions.
Address negativity and cyberbullying. Emphasize that online spaces should be safe and positive. Discuss how to respond to negativity (don't engage, block, report).
Key Principle 5: Apologize When Necessary
- Mistakes happen, even online.
- If you realize you've made a misstep or caused offense, apologize sincerely.
- A quick, clear apology can often fix a misunderstanding.
Explain the importance of apologizing and how to do it effectively online. Sometimes a simple, sincere apology can repair a misunderstanding.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Remember:
- Think before you post.
- Be Clear and Kind.
- Respect privacy.
- Apologize when needed.
Your online voice matters! Let's make it a respectful one.
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to practice these skills.
Activity
Online Communication Scenarios Activity
Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss the questions that follow and write your answers in the space provided. Be ready to share your group's ideas with the class!
Scenario 1: The Misunderstood Message
Sarah sends a text to her friend, Alex, saying, "Can't believe you did that 🙄." Sarah meant it playfully, but Alex reads it and gets really upset, thinking Sarah is genuinely angry with him.
-
What went wrong in this communication?
-
How could Sarah have communicated more respectfully or clearly?
-
Which netiquette rule from our discussion applies most here?
Scenario 2: The Embarrassing Photo
Liam takes a funny, slightly awkward picture of his friend, Maya, at a school event. He thinks it's hilarious and posts it on his social media story with the caption, "Look at Maya! 😂" Maya sees it and feels embarrassed and upset.
-
What went wrong in this situation?
-
What should Liam have done before posting the photo?
-
Which netiquette rule did Liam forget to follow?
Scenario 3: The Group Chat Drama
In a class group chat for a project, two students, Emily and David, start arguing about whose idea is better. Their messages become increasingly critical and slightly aggressive towards each other, making other group members uncomfortable and unwilling to contribute.
-
How did Emily and David's communication impact the group?
-
What would have been a more respectful way for them to discuss their ideas?
-
Which netiquette rule is most important for them to remember in a group setting?
Journal
Digital Respect Journal
Reflect and Apply
Think about what we discussed today regarding respectful online communication. Your online voice is powerful – let's make it a positive one!
Journal Prompt:
What is one new thing you learned or were reminded of today about respectful online communication, and how will you apply it in your own digital interactions (e.g., in texts, social media, online games, or emails)? Give a specific example.
My Commitment to Digital Respect
Write down one personal commitment you will make to ensure your online communication is always respectful and positive.