Chats
In addition to the general protocols, please stay on-topic. If you wish to suggest a new chat topic, you may do so by emailing your instructor or Student Services.
Netiquette and Communication in Online Courses
Netiquette is a rather new term that is used to describe the social code of network communication. It becomes crucially important in online courses since they do not include any "face-to-face" interaction—with all communication conducted via written words (emails and discussion boards). Online courses lack non-verbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and voice interactions, which makes it easier to misunderstand words.
The best way to avoid this trap is to follow the Golden Rule of Netiquette: to treat others online the way you want to be treated. Let's review what this includes:
General Writing Guidelines
- Moderately and appropriately use exclamation points; they are to indicate strong feelings only.
- Do not use chat acronyms—not everybody knows what they mean.
- Note that humor and sarcasm are more challenging to detect in an online format. Please, include a clue like an emoticon ;-) or a laugh "ha ha."
- Do not forget that UPPERCASE letters are generally associated with yelling. Write emails and posts using lowercase letters unless you actually plan to STRESS the words. However, even in this case, it may be preferable to simply use a bold font.
- Check spelling and grammar of your posts and emails. Grammatical errors discourage readers and can even change the meaning of the sentence.
Discussion Participation Guidelines
- Your responses should be meaningful and substantive. Ask questions and provide a response that facilitates further understanding of the discussion topic.
- You should be as concise as possible when contributing to a discussion. Your points can get lost if they are hidden in a flood of text.
- Stick to the discussion subject when you contribute to the discussion. Don't waste others' time by going off track and mentioning irrelevant material.
- Debate is always welcome, and you are encouraged to share your opinion and challenge others. However, always be tactful when responding to others.
- Remember that you are not the center of the discussion. Provide other people with an opportunity to express their opinion.
- Always quote if you are responding to a specific point made by someone else. However, do not include the whole post—only the part relevant to your statement.
- Do not forget that your instructor receives numerous emails daily. Please, include your name and the course you are taking in the subject area of any email. This will help your instructor to identify your email and will assure a swift response.
- Be specific when you ask questions. For example, if you have difficulty with an assignment, explain what assignment it is, what you understand, and what help you need.
- Make sure to use proper tone when writing emails. "hey is it ok if I hand in my essay late?" is not an appropriate way to address your instructor.
- Always reread your email prior to sending it to ensure that the intended message is clear.
- Check your course syllabus and/or instructor's introduction to determine their guidelines for responding to emails.
Netiquette is not very different from the etiquette you use in daily life. It just contains a few additional simple rules. Following them will make online class a more pleasant experience.
Emoticons
"Emoticons" and abbreviations have become popular and we encourage their use when it will add to the clarity of your communication. Avoid excessive use of emoticons, however. They are similar to exclamation marks in that they work best when used sparingly.
- :-) = happy, pleased
- :-( = sad, displeased
- :-O = surprised
- >:-| = angry
- LOL = laugh out loud, "I find this funny"
- ROFL = rolling on floor laughing, really funny
- BTW = by the way
- *grin* = smiling
- IMHO = in my humble opinion
- FYI: for your info
