

Don’t assume everyone understands where you’re coming from.When you’re working online, you’re safe behind a screen, but that’s no excuse to be ill-mannered or say things you would never say in public. If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online.All caps (“I’M SHOUTING”) and exclamation points (“Give me a break!!!”) can be misinterpreted as intense anger or humor without the appropriate context. In writing, we must strive twice as hard to be understood, as we do not have the benefit of modifying or elaborating in real time. When we speak face to face and are misunderstood, we have an on-the-spot opportunity to rephrase our words. Review what you wrote and try to interpret it objectively.Begin with a salutation (“Hi, Jason!”) and end with your signature (“Hannah Kay, Criminology 101”).

Make sure identification is clear in all communications.

Here are 10 rules of netiquette that will help you successfully communicate as you learn online. But how do you express yourself online, where the written word is all they see?ĭuring your online degree program, you will frequently be asked to participate in online discussions and will occasionally do peer reviews of your classmates’ work. In the classroom, your words, gestures, posture and facial expressions communicate your thoughts and observations to your classmates and teachers. The rules for online learning and classroom learning are virtually the same: You have to study, take notes, attend classes and participate in discussions. Netiquette, which is a portmanteau of “net” and “etiquette,” refers to using courtesy and politeness when communicating with others online. Effective communication is key to success in online education, and that’s where the term “netiquette” comes in.
