Vicki Davis’ post on “How to comment like a queen or king” has prompted me to search for some more resources on some related topic :

I believe that part of the new literacy we need to teach our students how to navigate, read and write in the digital world. Learning appropriate “blogetiquette” should be part of that education.

When introducing blogs in your classroom what are the guidelines you give your students?

What is appropriate/ inappropriate to write in your blog? (language /personal info/ topic/ rumors/etc.)
How do you pick a topic to write about?
How do you and why do you comment on other people’s blogs?

Regarding the question of commenting on other blogs I found the following from Micro Persuasion:

• Stay on topic
• Contribute new information to the discussion
• Don’t comment for the sake of commenting
• Remember that nobody likes a know-it-all
• Make the tone of your message clear
• Own your comment
• Cite your sources with links or inline quoting
• Be courteous
• Do not feed or tease the trolls

I found a great list of pointers when taching your students blogetiquette. From The Art and Aspirations of a Commenter by Blogging in the K-12 classroom

I believe in the power of a free exchange of ideas. I also recognize that words or access to some information can be of harm to others, intentionally or unintentionally. As a commenter, I therefore aspire to participate responsibly in the great online conversation by:

• treating all bloggers with respect.
• seeking first to understand what is being said.
• celebrating another’s accomplishments.
• using school appropriate language.
• rephrasing ideas in the blog that made me think, made me feel, or helped me learn to let the blogger know his/her voice has been heard.
• commenting specifically and positively, without criticism. If I disagree, I will comment appropriately, politely stating my perspective.
• being mindful always that I may be a role model to my audience, especially if they are younger than I.
• making no reference to, link to, and/or giving access to any information that may be inappropriate for a school setting.
• asking at least one question in my comment with the hopes of continuing a conversation and deepening thinking.
• using a triple check before submitting any comment: Would I be happy to have my mother read this comment? My grandmother? My favorite teacher?

Here are some comment starters from Edublogs Insights:

This made me think about…….
I wonder why…….
Your writing made me form an opinion about…….
This post is relevant because…….
Your writing made me think that we should…….
I wish I understood why…….
This is important because…….
Another thing to consider is…….
I can relate to this…….
This makes me think of…….
I discovered…….
I don’t understand…….
I was reminded that…….
I found myself wondering…….

Also, take a look at Comments make a difference by EduBlogs Insights.
Filed in: langwitches education teaching blogs

Posted: 6. August, 2006 at 10:12 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized.
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