Tech Tip Tuesday - Netiquette

Senior Instructional Designer, Jinsong Zhang, has put together a wonderful write up on Netiquette that I would like to share with you this week.

*If you would like to share this with students, please do not share the blog post but instead share this link.

As the Internet becomes more and more a place for daily activities such as chat, online posting, video conferencing, and email, basic guidelines for normative behavior is required. As an instructor for online learning, you want to create a space where objective and respectful discussion is promoted and encouraged. In order to maintain such a pleasant environment, it is important to consider the rules that everyone needs to observe. Netiquette is about such code of behavior for communication online. While netiquette does change depending on what type of communication one is engaged in, for online learning here is what we can offer:

Netiquette 

Netiquette is about the code of behavior established for communicating online. For the purpose of our online class, please adhere to the same etiquette you would follow in real life. Always show your respect for others online even if you need to strongly disagree with them when evaluating and critiquing their point of view. We argue ideas in a civil and respectful manner in order to arrive at the truth and grow intellectually, but nothing good is gained by demeaning a person.

1. Critique ideas in a respectful and constructive manner, not criticize an individual;
2. Respect the privacy of your classmates by not sharing their written postings outside the class;
3. Be professional;
4. Use standard written English and not text message or chat style abbreviations;

When participating in video conferencing or recording:

1. Respect other people’s time and band and bandwidth;
2. Prepare an outline if you are to talk online; 
3. Find a quiet place and away from any visual distraction such as moving vehicles in the window or kids playing in the background; 
4. Place the webcam in front of your face so that you give the impression of looking at the person you are talking to; 
5. Dress up for a video recording or conference to show your respect for your audience.

This is also located on the Faculty Help Website under 'Blackboard Tutorials' then 'Other Tips'.