Fletcher’s NETIQUETTE GUIDE

Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.

• Don't share your password with anyone.

• Change your password if you think someone else might know it.

• Always log out when you are finished using the system.

Some forms of online misconduct are merely bothersome to others with the impact being limited to your instructor or fellow students finding you annoying and their being less likely to take your thoughts seriously. Other forms of online misconduct can potentially cross a line into the area of academic dishonesty and be treated no differently than cheating on an exam or plagiarizing a paper. It is therefore important that you take these guidelines seriously as they can have very real impact on your success as an online student. You want to avoid being guilty of misbehavior in both forms regardless of the level of impact.

Below are specific instructions on how to be the most positive and effective digital communicator that you can be in all areas of communication, but most especially in your online classes.

When communicating online, you should always:

• When communicating online, you should always:

• Treat your instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other communication.

• Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof., or if in doubt use Mr. or Ms.

• Unless specifically invited, don’t refer to your instructor by first name.

• Use clear and concise language.

• Remember that all college level communication should have correct spelling and grammar (this includes discussion boards).

• Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.”

• Use standard fonts such as Ariel, Calibri or Times new Roman and use a size 10 or 12 pt.font

• Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.

• Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) or .

• Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post and your message might be taken seriously or sound offensive.

• Be careful with personal information (both yours and other’s).

• Do not send confidential information via e-mail.

When you send an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates, you should:

• When you send an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates, you should:

• Use a descriptive subject line.

• Be brief.

• Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.

• Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.

• Sign your message with your name and return e-mail address.

• Think before you send the e-mail to more than one person. Does everyone really need to see your message?

• Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you click, “reply all.”

• Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed along before you click the “forward” button

When posting on the Discussion Board in your online class, you should:

• When posting on the Discussion Board in your online class, you should:

• Make posts that are on topic and within the scope of the course material.

• Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before sending.

• Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.

• Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.

• Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.

• Don’t repeat someone else’s post without adding something of your own to it.

• Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” You should include why you agree or add to the

• previous point.

• 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.

• Do not make personal or insulting remarks.

• Be open-minded.