If in classroom discussions (or conversations about serious political, social, or economic topics) you tend to be quick to join in, and you enjoy making reasoned arguments "on the fly," you'll find that asynchronous discussions are an opportunity to be more reflective, and considerate of others' perspectives. Practice critical reading; carefully read and consider your classmates' input before composing your own posts and replies. Reflect upon your own posts before and while you write them. Consider drafting posts, and then allowing a few hours or even a day or two to revise them before actually posting. Writing is thinking, so if you spend more time clarifying your language, you're likely clarifying your ideas or arguments.

If in classroom conversation you are less likely to join in, and usually prefer taking time to compose a thoughtful reply, asynchronous discussions are an ideal place for your strengths. Unlike classroom discussion, the conversation is not dominated by a few extroverted participants; everyone's posts and replies are granted equal weight in the discussion structure. Plus, you have more time to carefully consider what you wish to say, and to revise it before saying it. Capitalize on this; if you were reluctant to participate in the classroom, here's a chance for you to make contributions that help other students acquire perspective and make more meaning out of information presented in the class textbook, or videos. You may find that you are better at reasoned discussion and debate than you imagined, so here's a chance to build self-confidence in this sphere.

NETIQUETTE!

In many online and hybrid courses there is a lot of communication between students. Much of it is in asynchronous discussions, but you might also speak with students through video or audio posts, or web conferencing. On the web it can sometimes be difficult to gauge each other’s tone. Here are guidelines for communicating online:

Here are guidelines for communicating in online, asynchronous discussions.

1. Basically, consider what you wrote before posting. All that's below follows from this principle.

2. Is your post off topic? Is it in the appropriate space for that topic? Is it really meant for the entire class, or just the instructor? In discussion, stay on topic and make contributions relevant, concise, and appropriate for the class to see.

3. If you are upset about an issue, type it into a document, and save it to your drive. Come back to it after some time and re-read it. Is it insightful, constructive, and likely to inform or persuade? Does it contribute?

4. Be courteous on the web (too). Online correspondence or conversation, like traditional varieties, benefits from courteousness and basic mutual respect. For example, learn and check spelling of others’ names.

5. Remember that tone can be difficult for a reader to judge. So keep your language direct and explicit. Be very careful with sarcasm or irony and consider whether such comments really contribute much to your post.

6. Check your class instructions for how long a post your professor is expecting you to write. But write more than simply “getting it done.”

7. Mind your font. Text formatting signals tone, volume, and emphasis. Writing in all caps represents SHOUTING or severe emphasis. Bold and italics can too, although perhaps less “loudly.” The color red dictates anger! Extra punctuation (???? or !!!!) can do likewise. In all cases these are overused, distracting, and dramatic. Save them for when you really need them.

8. Obey copyright laws. Do not steal original work by reposting it without investigating the terms of use established or requested by the author.

9. Remember that everyone is a newbie at some point, and deserves patience from more experienced or skilled participants. So if others don't post with 100% adherence to the above, give them a little slack. Model the behavior you would like to see from others.

10. Be mindful of sensitive information. Consider carefully what you are sharing about yourself or others on the web. There are obviously dangerous examples of inappropriate posting, but other information can be inadvertent, or seem trivial at the moment. (For example, be careful what you include in a screenshot image.)

11. At Canisius College, we are "committed to providing an environment that values diversity and emphasizes the dignity and worth of every individual." We must treat each other with respect and empathy, and we do not tolerate bigotry, intimidation, rudeness, or cruelty. This is outlined in our Community Standards and Policies, and our course syllabus, but more importantly is a core part of our Ignatian ethics. As in our classrooms, we will commit to these values in this online course space.

Web Conferencing

Check Your Microphone and Speakers

Make sure your audio hardware is working before joining meetings. It can be helpful to have your own Zoom account for this.

Use Your Real Name on Screen

Whether joining a meeting without a Zoom account or using a personal Zoom account, make sure your real name displays on screen. A professor may need to see it to let you into a Zoom meeting. Plus, it's more professional.

Be Courteous, Inclusive, and Respectful to All

Your professor might supply specific guidelines for professional and productive behavior during Zoom meetings. Follow these at all times. This includes instructions for how to address them and one another in the meeting. For example, should you use the chat feature, or the hand-raising feature, to ask questions? Often this is simply to make the meeting more efficient for all.

But also, show every class member the basic respect and courteousness you would expect them to show you. Read the "Netiquette" guidelines for asynchronous discussions above, and consider carefully how they can be adapted to live-remote meetings on Zoom.

Private Chat? Don't Believe It

Zoom suggests you can chat "privately" with other people in the meeting. It's best not to trust that your messages will truly be private, or unavailable to either the meeting host or other participants.