A few standard digital etiquette rules go a long way in helping to ensure communication is appropriate.
- Be respectful of each other and the professors. Politeness and professionalism are expected at all times. A statement that would be inappropriate in a traditional face-to-face classroom is also inappropriate in an online classroom.
- Ask for clarification if you don't understand something.
- Back up your stated opinions with facts and cite your sources.
- Respect the privacy of your classmates and what they share in class, including online.
- Be patient, especially when you're interacting with someone whose first language is not the same as your own.
- Pay attention to your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and avoid slang.
- Be mindful that typing in all capital letters is the online equivalent of shouting and is usually inappropriate in a class.
- Be aware that humor and sarcasm are easily misread online and perceived as impolite or offensive, especially across cultures.
- When talking, speak slowly and clearly while facing the microphone or webcam.