Cyberbullying is not cool

http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention/

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There are hundreds of different types of etiquette; for example, driving etiquette, golf course etiquette, grocery store etiquette, etc. Probably one of the most important kinds of etiquette is Digital Etiquette. Digital Etiquette is how you conduct yourself online. Some examples of poor Digital etiquette are things like responding in all caps, texting when on a date, or answering a phone call in the middle of a conversation. If these simple things can be considered rude, then why would cyberbullying ever be acceptable? It wouldn’t. Cyberbullying is a serious matter. Cyberbullying, by definition, is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. I wouldn’t intimidate, or threaten anyone in person unless I felt physically in danger. So what would be a good excuse to bully someone online? Nothing, there is absolutely no justification for trying to intimidate or humiliate anyone online. There have been real life scenarios, in the past, where kids have actually committed suicide because of the harsh harassment they had to put up with every time they logged onto a social networking site, and that’s disturbing. America is a free country, therefore, everyone should be able to log onto a social networking site and enjoy themselves without having to worry whether or not they are going to be harassed and embarrassed in front of their friends. So next time you’re about to send something to someone that could POSSIBLY be interpreted as hurtful, even if you are joking or being sarcastic, think twice and read it back to yourself before you send it.

Digital Literacy

In my own words digital literacy is how well you can navigate around on a computer and utilize the different types of software on a computer. I am fairly digitally literate in my everyday life, I am an avid Facebook and Instagram user. I use Microsoft office very frequently to do my homework. I also use software like Powerschool, Google mail, and Edmodo. Knowing technology terms is a must in order to be digitally literate, not only software terms but also general terms necessary for navigating around the computer. Technology can make our lives a lot easier, for example, online banking, online shopping, etc. However if you are careless, technology can be dangerous, if you aren’t careful with your personal things like pictures, credit card numbers, and social security numbers; crimes like identity theft can happen. Throughout our digital literacy unit the bit of information that I learned, that has impacted me the most, is the issue of digital access. Before now, I never put any thought into how some people don’t even have access to a computer, and I have recently become more aware about digital access.

Digital acess

Zebras and INternet by nick460sousa on GoAnimate

Digital access is having a computer and internet at your home that you can use whenever you need it and whatever you need it for. Before we started talking about digital access, and the digital divide, in class I had never even heard of them. In my own words, digital access is having the internet at our disposal. For example in my family we have two laptops, three smart phones, and three computers, it’s safe to say that every member of my family has the internet at their fingertips whenever they need it. I have always had access to a computer, even when I was young, and I can’t imagine not having internet access. Internet has a positive effect on people, especially when they need it for their job or schoolwork. The digital divide really doesn’t affect me, I have always had access to the internet and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have access to the internet. I’ve heard that the digital divide exists at Bacon Academy, but I have never noticed it in the time I’ve been here at Bacon Academy. The digital divide in education is when students who attend school can’t access the internet or computer other than in school. The digital divide doesn’t affect me at all. I have had access to the internet and a computer for my entire life, and I couldn’t imagine not having access to a computer, because I am constantly using my computer for homework. I don’t even know anyone who doesn’t have access to a computer at home. I have heard that the digital divide exists in Bacon Academy. However I have never noticed it. Like I said, I don’t even know anyone who does not have access to a computer at home. Being a student and not having access to a computer at home could lead to poor grades. Because, if a teacher assigns a TYPED essay and a student doesn’t have a computer and no way of using a computer, hands in a handwritten essay, that student is going to lose points. Comcast has come up with a great program, they supply internet to families who can’t afford it for 10 dollars a month. Everyone should have access to a computer and internet because we need it in the world we live in. the digital divide is a negative barrier that needs to disappear. Some day everyone should be able to become a digital citizen.