Online Etiquette

“Netiquette”

In our ever-changing world of technology, the student/teacher relationship has also changed.  However, just because students seemingly have unlimited access to their professors doesn’t mean there are no guidelines to follow.  We have listed a few do’s and don’ts below:

Do’s

• Use formal titles and salutations in all e-mails and communication with your professor.
• Properly identify yourself using your full name, ID#, class, and section number in all correspondence.
• Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling in ALL work, even e-mails.  Use spell check and proofread before sending.
• Be short and to the point when using e-mail.  Make sure you are specific as to what you are requesting. Don’t be too wordy.  You can often use bullet points instead of a lot of text.
• Be thorough and specific when taking quizzes or writing papers.
• Use respect with colleagues on discussion boards and other collaborative assignments.

Don’ts

• Don’t expect instant response on e-mails and grades.
• Don’t complain when you don’t receive what you think to be a timely response.
• Don’t WRITE IN ALL CAPS.  This is considered to be shouting in the online world.
• Do not use texting language at any time in the educational environment.  Write out each word, for example: “u r gr8” should be fully written out as “You are great.”
• Don’t practice intellectual laziness.  Don’t just do the assignment to “get it done,” do it to learn.
• Don’t violate the golden rule.  Treat people the way you want to be treated when communicating the written word.