Computer Ethics and Netiquette

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Define netiquette and list its five guiding rules.
2. Name five respectful online behaviours.
3. Describe how written text can seem harsher than spoken words.
4. Identify one appropriate response to disagreement online.
5. State why tone matters when communicating digitally.

Key vocabulary

• Netiquette: online etiquette covering respect, tone and courtesy.
• Written text: messages typed rather than spoken aloud.
• Tone: the feeling carried by written words.
• Disagreement: differing opinions expressed without attack.
• ** Appropriate response**: choosing wording that is civil and clear.
• Etiquette: accepted behaviour within a community or context.
• Guiding rule: a principle that steers behaviour in one direction.

Common misconceptions

• "Netiquette applies only at work." Learners who post comments face the same rules as professionals.
• "Writing the same thing says the same." Written text lacks vocal cues and reads differently.
• "Aggression and disagreement are equally okay online." Aggression is never acceptable in polite discourse.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: display two comments, one angry and one calm; ask which would you prefer receiving.
2. Define netiquette and list five guiding rules as a class.
3. Show how written text changes tone and demonstrate replacing aggressive words with mild ones.
4. Demonstrate one appropriate response to disagreement using polite language.
5. Give learners three comment scenarios and ask them to apply netiquette.
6. Close with the exit question about why written tone matters.

Student activities

1. Choose the preferred comment from the starter and explain the reason.
2. List five guiding netiquette rules in their own words.
3. Replace aggressive words in a sample comment with mild ones.
4. Write an appropriate response to one disagreement scenario.
5. Apply netiquette to three comment scenarios and justify each choice.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about tone.

Practical / learning evidence

A one-page netiquette sheet with the five rules, rewritten comments and three scenario responses. Submit the sheet for marking.

Resources and preparation

Printed scenario cards and rewritten comment templates. Offline route: paper scenarios, no device needed. Keep examples on the projector only during demonstration.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the rules sheet for five correct guiding rules. Mark the rewritten comments for a clear softening effect. Check scenario responses for civility and clarity. Flag any learner who equates aggression with disagreement.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the scenario cards preprinted with mild versions so learners focus on rewriting. Allow oral completion of the responses. Extend confident learners with four scenarios and a fourth rule. Homework: name one situation where tone could break netiquette and state the corrective action.