Classroom Blogging Rules Worth Considering

Feeling grateful that there are now examples popping up from INSIDE classrooms of how to use Blogs in a WISE way with kids.

Even better than a sudden burst of rhetoric about the MySpace brain-numb fear-mongering that seems to catch everyone up in its grip(s), here is an example of a teacher who has laid out in very clear and value-oriented ways what one can and can't do in her class blog. More and more of this will do all of us a great deal of good:

To use the CRMS school blogs, you must agree to the following statements.

1. I will not use any curse words or inappropriate language.
2. I will not use fighting words or provoke anyone.
3. I will avoid the use of chat language.
4. I will try to spell everything correctly.
5. I will only give constructive criticism.
6. I will only use my first name.
7. I will not post pictures of myself.
8. I will not give out any personal information about myself or anyone else.
9. I am responsible for anything posted in my name.
10. I will not plagiarize.
11. I will use common sense.

I recognize that breaking any of these rules could lead to any of the following consequences depending on severity and repetition:

1. warning
2. deletion of some or all of the post
3. temporary loss of blogging privileges
4. permanent loss of blogging privileges

I further recognize that the blog is considered a virtual extension of our classroom, and therefore all CRMS, Decatur City Schools, AL Department of Education, and US federal Rules and Regulations apply. I am aware that violation of any of these rules may be referred to the School Administration.
(Print Name) __________________________________________

(Student Signature) ______________________________________

(Parent Signature) _______________________________________

(date)_______________

Please...help anyone you can begin to adopt similar guidelines that helps kids be a) aware, b) engaged, and c) empowered...rather than just watching all the blog-burning craziness that seems to all the firewall rage as of late.