Netiquette

Netiquette for Faculty

NETIQUETTE GUIDE FOR ONLINE COURSES

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when students and faculty communicate with one another. These guidelines for online conduct and interaction are known as “Netiquette.”

SECURITY ETIQUETTE

Remember that the password is the only thing protecting students and faculty from harmful online experiences. Students and faculty should:

● never share their passwords or passcodes with anyone.

● change the password if someone else might know it.

● log out at the end of the session.

● be careful with any personal information.

● not send confidential information via email.

PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

Faculty should always:

● treat the students with respect in email or any other communication.

● use the students’ preferred names.

● use clear and concise language in any correspondence or work.

COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE

All university-level communications and interactions in an online learning environment should not use slang or profane words. Remember to be friendly, positive, and self-reflective. Faculty must be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as the tone is sometimes misconstrued in an email, discussion post, or course announcement. The old saying "think before you speak," applies here. Faculty should always:

● use the NDMU email account to communicate with students.

● require students to communicate through the NDMU email account.

● communicate with correct spelling and grammar (this includes discussion boards).

● use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and use a size 10 or 12 pt.

● respond in a manner that demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the ideas

● provide constructive feedback in a timely manner.

● refrain from using CAPS LOCK when typing. It suggests yelling, and that could hurt someone's feelings and possibly give him (or her) the wrong impression.

● limit or possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) or texting/instant message abbreviations.

PARTICIPATION ETIQUETTE

Faculty and students must be active and engaged in their course - in this regard, online learning environments should be no different than face-to-face ones. Faculty should:

● log in to the course site frequently, at least several times per week.

● consider using a HELP forum and/or course announcements to keep students informed.

● remember that this course belongs to all participants and everyone’s input is essential.

● post discussions and/or assignments in the specified time frame.

● assess student work in a timely manner

EMAIL NETIQUETTE

When communicating via email with students, faculty should:

● use professional language and tone.

● be concise in all correspondence.

● use a descriptive subject line.

● avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.

● avoid large attachments (over 10MBs).

● avoid HTML in favor of plain text-formatted messages.

● sign messages with your name and return email address.

● be timely in replies.

● avoid forwarding prior email content.

● be cognizant of the difference between Reply and Reply All in email correspondences. A Reply designation will go to the sender of the message only. A Reply All message will go to all recipients of the original message.

SYNCHRONOUS VIDEO CLASS ETIQUETTE

When hosting and participating on a synchronous video class, faculty should:

● notify all participants that the online video session may be recorded.

● be on time for the session; test hardware capabilities before the online session (microphone, web camera, and speaker settings)

● be aware of the surroundings and background during video sessions (choose a neutral, quiet, and isolated location).

● remind students to practice professional courtesy and mute audio when entering or participating in class (unmute when participating).

● monitor and respond to questions/comments posted in the chat feature.

● avoid sending large files through the file-sharing or chat functions.

Netiquette for Students

NETIQUETTE GUIDE FOR ONLINE COURSES

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when students communicate with both their peers and their instructors. These guidelines for online conduct and interaction are known as “Netiquette.”

SECURITY ETIQUETTE

Remember that the password is the only thing protecting students from harmful online experiences.

● Students should not share their passwords or passcodes with anyone.

● Change the password if someone else might know it.

● Log out at the end of the session.

● Be careful with any personal information.

● Do not send confidential information via email.

PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

Students should always:

● use their NDMU email account for school and class business.

● treat the instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other communication.

● use the professors' proper title: Dr. or Prof., or if in doubt, use Mr. or Ms.

● refrain from referring to the instructor by first name, unless specifically invited to do so.

● use clear and concise language in any correspondence or work.

COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE

All university-level communications and interactions in an online learning environment should not use slang or profane words. Remember to be friendly, positive, and self-reflective. Course participants must be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as the tone is sometimes misconstrued in an email or discussion post. The old saying "think before you speak," applies here. Students should always:

● communicate with correct spelling and grammar (this includes discussion boards).

● use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and use a size 10 or 12 pt.

● read the course directions, module directions, and other course materials before responding.

● respond in a manner that demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented and provide new ideas and insights.

● begin with the name of the person when replying to an email.

● enhance the quality of the interaction.

● illustrate a point with examples, suggest new perspectives, and ask thought-provoking questions.

● synthesize key comments and ideas as applicable.

● provide constructive feedback.

● consider providing a sampling of colleagues' posting to provide evidence of reading the initial post.

● refrain from using CAPS LOCK when typing. It suggests yelling, and that could hurt someone's feelings and possibly give him (or her) the wrong impression.

● limit or possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) or texting/instant message abbreviations.

PARTICIPATION ETIQUETTE

Course participants must be active and engaged in their course - in this regard, online learning environments should be no different than face-to-face ones. Students should:

● log in to the course site frequently, at least several times per week.

● check for any system messages, HELP forum posts, or course announcements.

● remember that this course belongs to all participants and everyone’s input is essential.

● begin a new discussion thread under the discussion prompt and respond to the specific requirements of the discussion prompt.

● post discussions or submit assignments in the specified time frame.

EMAIL NETIQUETTE

When sending an email to the instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates, students should:

● be timely in replies.

● use professional language and tone.

● be concise in their correspondence.

● use a descriptive subject line.

● avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.

● avoid large attachments (over 10MBs).

● avoid HTML in favor of plain text-formatted messages.

● sign messages with your name and return email address.

● avoid forwarding prior email content.

● be cognizant of the difference between Reply and Reply All in email correspondences. A Reply designation will go to the sender of the message only. A Reply All message will go to all recipients of the original message.

DISCUSSION BOARD NETIQUETTE AND GUIDELINES

When posting on the Discussion Board, students should:

● create posts that are on-topic and within the scope of the course material.

● take posts seriously and review and edit posts before sending them.

● give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.

● be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.

● avoid repeating someone else's post without adding something to it.

● avoid short, generic replies such as, "I agree." Include why or add to the previous point.

● be respectful of others' opinions even when they differ.

● express differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way when disagreeing with someone.

● refrain from making personal or insulting remarks.

● be open-minded.

● ask for clarification when unsure of what was said or its meaning.

● reply to the appropriate discussion thread.

SYNCHRONOUS VIDEO CLASS ETIQUETTE

When hosting and participating on a synchronous video class, students and instructors should:

● be aware that the online video session may be recorded.

● be on time for the session; test hardware capabilities before the online session (microphone, web camera, and speaker settings)

● be aware of the surroundings and background during video sessions (choose a neutral, quiet, and isolated location).

● practice professional courtesy and mute audio when entering or participating in class (unmute when participating).

● use the chat feature or the raise hand feature to get the instructor or another student’s attention

● avoid sending large files through the file-sharing or chat functions.

Netiquette for Students (.docx)

Netiquette for Faculty (.docx)

Last Revised: 2021