There are many rules that should be considered when starting a class blog/wiki, but the longer and more specific the rule list is, the less likely students will actually read and follow the rules. Rules for blogging should always apply and should can be used universally. That being said, as an instructor and moderator of a blog/wiki, the best bet is to start with a set of rules like the ones below and modify the rules if problems arise.
1. One must use proper spelling and grammer.
It may be the internet, but that doesn't mean you can slack off. An educational blog IS, after all, still academic.
2. One must be respectful.
Everything on the internet is traceable and disrespectful comments can come back to haunt you. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but if you disagree do so respectfully.
3. One must cite any sources used.
Give the author credit, if not it's plagiarism. Remember unless you can cite a specific source, it is still opinion.
4. One must think before one posts.
Read and reread to make sure what you've written is what you mean. Will other readers understand what you wrote? Is what you wrote appropriate? Will others take offense to what you've written? If everyone asked these questions before posting, the internet would be a far nicer place.
Your rules are succint and completely spot on. Might I suggest a 5th rule though? "5. One must stop using the phrase "one must" as soon as possible." Just teasing you, Jake. You claimed "the longer and more specific the rule list is, the less likely students will actually read and follow the rules." Do you think there should be an extended version of the simplified rules for the potential situation where rules need to be cited for enforcement purposes?
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting point Bobby. I can see the benefits, but i'm not sure if specific rules are really necessary. It's especially hard to judge because we can't really go beyond the hypothetical at the moment; the only way to really know for sure is to put rules into practice.
ReplyDeleteI really like that your rules all seem to explain to the writers that their writing on the internet should be treated like any other work they write. It should be respectful, appropriate, and thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that a list of rules is created and that you have left room to make adjustments if some of the rules are not making sense to students or are not applicable to their blogs. One of your rules that struck me as the most important was rule number one: "One must use proper spelling and grammar." I think this is important because the more kids text message and chat online, the easier their proper spelling and basic language skills slide to a shortened version of everything. I agree with you that blogs used for classroom purposes should constantly be displaying academic focus.
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