Netiquette in online education

The rules for online learning and classroom learning are virtually the same: You have to study, take notes, attend classes and participate in discussions. In the classroom, your words, gestures, posture and facial expressions communicate your thoughts and observations to your classmates and teachers. But how do you express yourself online, where the written word is all they see?

During your online study or training, you will frequently be asked to participate in online discussions and will occasionally do peer reviews of your classmates’ work. Here are 10 rules of netiquette that will help you successfully communicate as you learn online.

1. Make sure identification is clear in all communications. Begin with a salutation (“Hi, Jason!”) and end with your signature (“Full name, program of study”).
   
   
2. Review what you wrote and try to interpret it objectively. In online posting, we do not have the benefit of modifying or elaborating in real time if we were misunderstood. 
   
   
3. If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online.
   
   
4. Don’t assume everyone understands where you’re coming from. 
   
   
5. Don’t spam. Please don’t forward emails to other program participants regarding your personal beliefs or to sell your services.
   
   
6. Respect others’ privacy. Don’t give out another student’s personal email address without permission.
   
   
7. Remember, if it’s on the internet, it’s everywhere. Don’t share information that could put your safety or security at risk in a public online forum. 
   
   
8. Follow the rules. Just as your school or workplace, online forums also have rules of conduct. 
   

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