Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Grades 4-6: Instant Messenger!? ORLY.

The word 'collaboration' (pronounced co-lab-or-eh-shun) is a fancy-schmancy word for 'working together'. Today, the junior classes collaborated to add to our video game survey questions (see previous post). The coolest part of how we collaborated: we worked together online using an instant messenger program. Instant messenging is a big deal because it is used in many fields of work, play, and study. Windows Live Messenger aka MSN, G-Talk, AIM, SKYPE, and others are installed on literally millions of computers around the world. When you (or anybody) joins a chat via instant messenger, it is important to remember a few simple rules. They are posted here for your reading enjoyment...
  1. Do not verbally abuse, attack, embarrass, or threaten anyone else in the chat, no matter what they might say to you. Ignore them, leave the chat, or tell an adult/moderator. Remember: Mean things that you type to other people could stay on the internet, attached to your name, forever.
  2. Sorta the same as the first rule: Do not use obscene or offensive language.
  3. Never type your messages in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Typing with your capslock on makes it seem like you are yelling. If you want to *emphasize* a word or phrase, simply type an asterisk (shift + 8) in before and then directly after your word or phrase. This is a widely recognized way to get your point across without being rude.
  4. When you are entering a group messenge session (more than two people talking to each other in Messenger), you should always greet everyone whether you know them or not. Be sure to wait until there is a lull in the conversation already in progress, though. Don't interrupt. And, when someone else enters the room, you should make it a point to at least recognize their presence and greet them with a friendly "Hi (their screen name)!"
  5. Don't speak unless you know what the conversation is about first. And, when you *do* get a chance to talk, stay on topic! Typing random characters or thoughts is never a good idea. Keep messages short and to the point (besides, if you wanted to write something massive, you'd put it in an email, blog entry, FB note, LJ post, etc.) And of course, never interrupt.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It was so fun to work with the instant messenging program! I think it's a very interesting subject and I'm glad you posted all this info on the blog. Thanks