Netiquette (#10)

This week at work I was asked to write up something on network etiquette. For some strange reason my boss, who is also a professor of speech and communication studies at IU Southeast, seems to think that some people might not know the "proper" way to behave in an online classroom environment. He reasons that if they don't know how to act in a "one-on-one" situation, then they might really "turn loose" without face-to-face contact. I have to tell you, I was a little flabbergasted at this notion because I am always the same lovable, kind, caring, and considerate person no matter what situation I am in. However, I always aim to please so I did some online research and this is what I came up with:

At IU Southeast, we believe that proper behavior is just as important Online as it is in person. Here are a few guidelines to help you communicate more effectively in your online class(es):

1. Even though you are not face-to-face with classmates and instructors, you are still dealing with other people; act and write accordingly. Always treat your instructors and peers with respect and courtesy.
2. In cyberspace, the law and ethics are still applicable. Do not cheat, plagiarize the work of the others, or infringe upon copyrights. You are accountable for what you state and do online.
3. Please keep in mind that while your course may be online, you are still part of a classroom. Comments that are inappropriate in a regular classroom are inappropriate in an online environment; do not swear, make sexist, racist, or homophobic comments, or practice flaming (posting hostile/hurtful messages with the intent of inciting others.)
4. Remember, time is a valuable commodity for everyone; try to keep your messages brief, to the point, and avoid repetition.
5. Learn to write right; that means know your subject and think before you type anything, and by all means proofread, edit, and use spell check before you click on the Send or Submit button.
6. Avoid using acronyms and emoticons. Your online postings, no matter the length, are official course communications and should be treated as such—be professional.
7. Protect your privacy. Do not e-mail or post any information you do not want others to know; this includes your passphrase, your telephone number, your personal e-mail address, your home address, and your Social Security number.
8. Forgive; people will make mistakes along the way, but we will all have a much more enriching and enjoyable educational experience if we learn to forgive and forget the honest mistakes made by others.
9. Don’t take matters into your own hands. If you experience a technical problem or problems with the course work, or if you have a question, please bring it to your instructor’s attention immediately.
10. Increase the knowledge of the IU Southeast online community and share what you know. Everyone is here to learn; speak up!

FYI: If any of you are interested in seeing the finalized version of my online aptitude survey, it is now active: http://www.ius.edu/onlinecourses/survey.cfm

Have a great weekend!
Michael