Netiquette Tips for Online Discussion

For those unfamiliar with the term, netiquette it refers to online etiquette. Online etiquette is the correct or acceptable way of communicating or behaving on the Internet. Although most students are fairly tech-savvy, it is important to introduce this term in your online class and make them familiar with the concept.

Even non-traditional students may not be as accustomed to proper communication in an online format. For instance, many of my students send me emails that are very informal and use colloquialisms like saying "u" instead of "you", etc. Additionally, I sometimes notice students responding to each other on Discussion Boards in ways that could be offensive such as using all capital letters to respond to a post (using capital letters signifies yelling).

Have a statement about netiquette in your online course syllabus on how to address colleagues and professors.

This is why I recommend having a statement about netiquette in your online course syllabus. This should contain elements about how to address colleagues as well as the professor, what constitutes an appropriate response and different strategies to avoid, such as the use of acronyms or colloquialisms.

Below is an example of a netiquette statement from a colleague of mine that I have adapted for use in my own online course Syllabus:

Online Class Netiquette / Behavior

• Be self-reflective before you post an emotional response and reread what you have written to be sure it is positive. Think of your comments as printed in the newspaper. Your online comments will be seen, heard and remembered by others in the class.

• Use effective communication.

- Avoid the use of all caps or multiple punctuation elements (!!!, ??? etc).
- Be polite, understate rather than overstate your point, and use positive language.
- If you are using acronyms, jargon or uncommon terms, be sure to explain them so everyone can understand and participate in the discussion.

• Ask for clarification to a point if you feel emotional from a classmate’s post. It is likely that you misunderstood his/her point. This strategy will also help you step away from the intensity of the moment to allow for more reflection.

• Sign your name. It is easier to build a classroom community when you know to whom you are responding.

• Foster community. Share your great ideas and contribute to ongoing discussions. Consider each comment you make as one that is adding to, or detracting from, a positive learning environment for you and your classmates.

• Be constructive. You can challenge ideas and the course content, but avoid becoming negative online. When you disagree politely you stimulate and encourage great discussion. You also maintain positive relationships with others with whom you may disagree on a certain point.

• Keep the conversation on topic by responding to questions, adding thoughtful comments about the topics at hand. Online dialogue is like conversation. If there is a particular dialogue going on, please add to it, but if you have something new to say, please post it in another thread.

• Define your terms. When using acronyms or terms that are particular to your field (or new to our course), please define them for others.

Do you include any rules of netiquette in your online course?  Be sure to share your ideas in The Online Educator Facebook Group.