Important Messages
Sometimes the online classroom might not feel like a real classroom. We might forget our that we are not on social media and slip into texting or social media habits. I am guilty of this myself sometimes. This section can help us remember that our online classroom is still a classroom. Below are some of the things we should keep in mind as we engage with one another.
If you believe someone is in violation of our netiquette policy send them a private Email or PRONTO message identifying what you believed was a breach of netiquette. If you are not comfortable reaching out to your classmate you can email/PRONTO message me identifying what you believe was a breach in netiquette.
If you are not following our netiquette policy you will receive a personal message identifying the breach. You will not be called out on the class discussion or in the large group forum.
Remember, these lapses in netiquette are most likely not intentional. We may not be aware that our words, tone, or actions can impact others. If you are contacting someone about their netiquette please use neutral language where you identify the post that you believe was a breach in netiquette. Avoid name calling, language that blames, or judgement based comments. If someone contacts you about your netiquette remember they are not saying that you are a bad person or that you are not worthy of participating in the class. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to reflect on your post/discussion and think about how your words could have impacted your classmates. There is not punishment for breaching netiquette.
However, if you are name calling or engaging in disrespectful communication with me or your classmates you may be removed from participating in discussions/feedback during the course of the class.
Think of NETIQUETTE as guidelines for classroom expectations. Below I have listed guidelines for the general class, email, and feedback/discussion in the classroom.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
When communicating online, you should:
Treat your instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other communication
Use people's names when communicating. Using names helps to humanize the online experience.
Always be respectful of others' opinions even when they differ from your own
When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way
Avoid personal or insulting remarks
Avoid caps lock as it can be perceived as yelling
Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm. It is hard to "hear" tone in emails and online communication and this can lead to miscommunication.
Keep an open mind
EMAIL GUIDELINES
Use a descriptive subject line
Be brief
Sign your message with your name
Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you click "reply all"
DISCUSSION BOARD/FEEDBACK GUIDELINES
Make posts that are on topic
Always give credit when referencing or quoting another source
Read all the messages in a thread before replying
Don't repeat someone else's post without adding your own idea to the message
Avoid short, generic replies such as, "I agree". You should include why you agree or add to the previous point
This is a set of guidelines that apply to the way students as well as faculty interact while engaging in an educational process that uses technology. It doesn't matter if the course is face to face, hybrid, or completely online. These guidelines are to help us maintain a respectful educational environment, in all of our classes.
Classes at Cerritos College (online, face to face, or hybrid) are spaces where we should respect one another. In an online course it is extra important to remember that on the other side of your screen your classmates and instructor are sitting with their devices, just as you are, trying to succeed
Sometimes when we are angry we "fire off" an email or post a comment that we may later regret. Be cautious of this. If you find yourself really angry write a draft email or a Google Doc. Don't send it or share it for 24 hours. After at least 24 hours has passed revisit your email draft or Google Doc. Do you still want to send it? Can you change the language to be more neutral, but still convey your disagreement, frustration, etc.? If you still want to send the message unedited, send it to me. I have experienced many frustrated students in my time as an instructor and I have learned not to take most of it personally. It is far easier to rebuild trust and respect with me than with classmates.
Dominating conversation, face to face or online, is considered rude behavior
Written communication is not as simple as face to face communication because we lose a lot of our non-verbal helper behaviors. Think about your words before you post a message and reread your messages for unintentional errors. I know I have been victim of the unintentional wrong autocorrect or tapped the wrong emoji and it can be a little embarrassing. Make sure you double check before you hit reply or submit.
We can agree that rudeness or losing your temper in class isn't the best behavior but we might not realize how much positive non-verbal cues (nod, smile, pleasant tone, etc.) show our respect for others. When we lose these positive non-verbal cues we may unintentionally send the wrong message. I know that people sometimes think I am rude or upset in emails because I tend to use simple sentences that communicate important information and sometimes I will forget to include a greeting or explanation with my information. It makes it difficult for others to "hear" my tone and it can get misinterpreted.
Use of emojis, memes, and other images are just as powerful (if not more so) than written language. Your use of these items can be used to support your classmates and your educational journey. These items can also negatively effect your classmates and educational journey. When using emojis, memes, and images I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions.
Would my parent/guardian approve of the use of this item in the discussion?
Would I be show this image, meme, emoji to my instructor?
Does this topic, image, meme, emoji, etc. add to the discussion? Is it necessary?
We will use live discussion, journal/reflections, oral presentations, chat, and live stream as part of our class. We are lucky to live in a time where there are so many avenues of communication. Be prepared to engage in all sorts of communication in our class.
This is a space to help each other learn. You will work in teams and be involved in discussions. Everyone will have the opportunity to contribute to our community creating a space where all students have an equal voice in the discussion. Use your voice to encourage your classmates and assist them if they ask.
Class discussions can't proceed unless everyone replies. Feedback is reliant on your participation in discussions/feedback sessions. It is important that we all do our part to contribute and support each other throughout the semester. Do your best to be mentally and physically present in every class period. If you are not able to attend class please let me know so that we can set up a short-term alternative learning plan.
If you disappear from the class (online or face to face) I get worried! If you aren't able to complete the module, assignments, reading, etc. by the posted date don't just disappear, let me know! We can work together to find a way for you to continue on track to succeed in the course.
Ghosting is the one behavior that truly makes me upset. Please make sure to communicate with me if you need assistance. Let me know how I can help!
with all the security programs on your computer, your internet service provider's security, and school email security, it is not surprising that emails and assignments don't get through these layers. If work is sent, but not received you don't want to have to take the time to redo it! Make sure to keep copies.
PRO TIP: If you are doing your assignments on the go make sure to use a system like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. instead of just entering in the text box in Canvas. This gives you access to your work and they autosave!!!!
Turning in assignments can be the most stressful part about learning process. Different instructors have different expectations, you aren't sure what type of file to upload, due dates might not be clear. This section aims to make turning in assignments less confusing.
Due dates for every assignment are provided on the course calendar in Canvas. You can also see due dates on the individual assignments. These dates are to help you keep on top of your work during the semester. In completing readings and assignments by the posted due dates you are keeping up with the class and are ready for the weeks ahead.
Most work is accepted up until the final day of the semester. There is no penalty for late work, but receiving prompt feedback and grades is an essential part of the learning process and success in college, so you are strongly encouraged to submit all work by its deadline. Please note that if you turn your speeches in late it may impact your ability to receive feedback from your classmates on the speech. This will ultimately make it more difficult for you to grow as a speaker.
Exams/quizzes will all be open for at least a week. I encourage you to take your exams/quizzes while they are open. If you are unable to complete a quiz or exam while it is open please make sure to contact me. In your contact you should include
The problem:
EX: I cannot complete quiz (insert number) because...
Your solutions:
EX: I will be able to complete the quiz by (insert date) OR I can make up the quiz at the end of the semester, etc.
Negotiation
Your contacting me is the first step in the discussion. From there we will exchange emails or connect live using PRONTO or ZOOM to discuss your solutions and decide together how to proceed.
Traumatic events and emergencies are unwelcome and because I understand how difficult these times are. In the event of a traumatic event and/or emergency contact me ASAP so we can decide how to proceed together.
Assignments will give you the options to submit through a text box, attachment, or link to a Google Doc. These will be options on all written assignments.
Oral Presentations will be done live in class. There is not an opportunity to submit video recordings. There will be ONE make up oral presentation opportunity at the end of the semester. It is important that you are in class, on time, during oral presentation days so that we can ensure everyone has time to give their presentation.
You are not able to switch presentation days unless cleared with the Instructor at least one week in advance. I understand that emergencies happen, that is why we have a make up day at the end of the semester. Don't worry if you miss one presentation, you will be able to make that presentation up. That said, don't skip all your presentation days. You may not have time to make up all your presentations at the end of the semester.
Discussion posts may be written within the discussion post OR you may post a video via studio. If you post a video you must caption that video in order to receive credit. Please refer to the directions for captioning videos in Studio in Canvas