Digital Citizenship in Action: Teaching Online Etiquette on Minecraft PE Servers in High School
02/24/2022
In today's digital age, teaching students about responsible online behavior and digital citizenship is essential. Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE), a popular game among students, provides a unique platform to foster these skills. By utilizing Minecraft PE servers in high school settings, educators can engage students in interactive lessons focused on online etiquette, collaboration, and digital citizenship. In this article, we will explore how Minecraft PE servers can be used to teach online etiquette to high school students, promoting responsible and respectful behavior in the digital world.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment:
Using Minecraft PE servers allows educators to establish a controlled and safe online environment for high school students. By setting clear guidelines and expectations, teachers can foster a sense of inclusion, respect, and safety among students. Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, respecting boundaries, and promoting positive interactions within the Minecraft PE server.
Collaborative Building Projects:
Encourage students to collaborate on building projects within the Minecraft PE server. Assign group tasks that require cooperation and communication, fostering teamwork and teaching students the value of collaborative efforts. Emphasize the importance of respecting others' creations, seeking consent before modifying structures, and providing constructive feedback.
Communication Skills and Netiquette:
Engage students in discussions and activities focused on effective communication and netiquette (internet etiquette). Encourage them to use appropriate language, maintain a friendly tone, and demonstrate active listening skills within the Minecraft PE server's chat or voice communication system. Discuss the impact of positive communication and how it contributes to a respectful online environment.
Conflict Resolution:
Teaching conflict resolution skills is crucial in promoting positive online interactions. In Minecraft PE servers, conflicts may arise due to differences in opinions or misunderstandings. Use such instances as teaching moments, guiding students in resolving conflicts peacefully, and encouraging empathy and understanding. Discuss strategies for effective negotiation, compromise, and reaching consensus to help students navigate conflicts they may encounter within the virtual world.
Empowering Bystanders:
Discuss the role of bystanders in promoting positive online behavior. Teach students how to identify and address instances of cyberbullying or disrespectful behavior within the Minecraft PE server. Encourage them to be allies and speak up when witnessing inappropriate conduct, fostering a culture of support and intervention.
Reflective Discussions:
Engage students in reflective discussions about their experiences within the Minecraft PE server. Prompt them to consider how their actions and words impact others in the digital realm. Encourage self-reflection and critical thinking, asking questions such as "How did your behavior contribute to the overall atmosphere of the server?" or "What actions could you take to make the Minecraft PE server a more inclusive space?"
Utilizing Minecraft PE servers as a teaching tool provides high school students with an engaging platform to learn and practice online etiquette, collaboration, and digital citizenship. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, promoting positive communication, teaching conflict resolution skills, and empowering students to be responsible digital citizens, educators can cultivate a culture of respect and empathy within the Minecraft PE server. Through these experiences, students gain valuable skills that extend beyond the virtual world, shaping their behavior and interactions in all online environments. By teaching online etiquette on Minecraft PE servers, educators play a vital role in equipping high school students with the tools to navigate the digital realm responsibly, fostering a positive and inclusive online community.
