Online Course Etiquette
As more schools move beyond the traditional classroom into online learning, students must learn how to successfully navigate the virtual classroom. Success in e-learning is not attributed to academics alone; students must engage one another in a well-mannered exchange during classroom chats, discussion boards and email. To ensure students are fostering a positive, supportive online environment, college campuses have been offering some basic tips in course etiquette.
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Introduce Yourself
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Making a good first impression goes a long way. The first opportunity students have to connect with the instructor and other classmates is through an introduction. The introduction gives students an opportunity to tell each other something about themselves. Introductions should be a mixture of educational, professional and personal information. In the absence of face-to-face contact, to gain an emotional connection with classmates adding something personal aids in the development of a positive online relationship.
Miscommunication
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According to Michael Corry and Ryan Watkins, authors of the "E-Learning Companion," avoid miscommunications with fellow students and instructors at all times when sending and receiving messages online. Unlike face-to-face conversations, you can't read body language on the Internet, but you can recognize emotion. The general rule is if you wouldn't make the comments face to face, don't do it online either. Steer away from aggressive language, the use of all caps and bold typeset. Bold letters and caps alludes you are angry or shouting. Always chose more amenable words to communicate your feelings, even if they are feelings of frustration.
Listserv
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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Dorr
When responding back to colleagues and fellow students, be conscious of reply and reply all. Keep conversations confidential. Avoid CC-ing or BCC-ing everyone on a listserv into a heated exchange where they have no knowledge or vested interest in the contents of the conversation. Although listserv and email groups are common ways for individuals to communicate with large numbers of people, it can be a treacherous weapon when used inappropriately.
Internet Usage Agreements
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Most organizations and schools have Internet usage agreements outlining their policy on what you can and can't use their database for. Remember, you are granted usage rights only. Therefore, unlike many other forms of communication, you have limited or no rights of privacy. Most communications can and will be monitored for potentially inappropriate, harmful or suspicious behavior. According to Corry and Watkins (2007), treat your online classmates as you would if you were sitting in a classroom. If you wouldn't pass out salacious materials in class, don't do it online. Therefore, steer clear of forwarding anything unrelated to the course.
Explicit Materials
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When using the Internet for online courses, ensure you are using it responsibly. Never send or receive explicit materials, engage in sexually inappropriate conversations or sexually harass colleagues or fellow students online. Engaging in these types of behaviors can limit or terminate your Internet privileges and/or lead to legal action.
Attachments
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Undoubtedly, you will have to turn in assignments and share documents during the course, and nothing is more irritating than clicking on an attachment you can't open. Be sure to create and/or save documents in common operating software. In many virtual classrooms, there are students residing as close as your city as well as in the most remote locations in the world. The latest, greatest software may not have reached the far corners of the earth yet. Keep it simple so everyone can participate and share in the information you have to present.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Robert S. Donovan Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Dorr
