Feb 04 2008
e-Policies
I was discouraged after reading Crux-of-the-matter’s “Blogging no longer fun” post today. I have certainly enjoyed her eloquent opinions on a range of Canadian topics, even where I haven’t been able to completely agree. It is sad to think that she has been receiving volatile comments in such numbers as to make the whole blogging experience more of a burden than an opportunity for dialogue. I’m glad that her blog isn’t being shut down … yet.
This event reminded me of something of Dana Huff’s that I read a little while ago: “Don’t Feed the Trolls.” Her recommendation to develop a blog policy at first reading seemed heavy-handed. A blog policy? I’ve operated as if the internet is an ungovernable, unstoppable network, a place where policies would be laughable. But after checking out Dana’s own policy, I’m beginning to think that I may want to have something similar in place for my classroom blogs and resource website.
I am continually aware that blogging is still a rather unheard of phenomenon at my school. There’s a level of nervousness around it (and any other online activity) that needs to be addressed proactively. Developing policies for my class blogs, my resource website, and the class wiki would send the message that I hear the concerns and am doing all I can to alleviate them.
TeachersFirst offers a sample “wiki warranty” that can be adapted for use. It reads long and stern to me, but it’s a good starting place. I wonder where it will take me?
