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Technology: Online Etiquette

Online Etiquette

In an online learning environment, most activity related to learning will take place in a digital space. Many of your classes will be conducted online using videoconferencing. You may also use videoconferencing to perform group work, and to access services areas such as tutoring and learning strategy support. Much of your communication with faculty, peers, and staff will happen through digital platforms like email, discussion forums and through social media.

Five Principles of Online Etiquette

Our Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities recommends following these five principles while interacting in an online learning space:

Represent yourself with honesty with an adherence to your values and principles. Only provide work that is created by you (academic integrity) and ensure your behaviours are in line with all College policies.
Be courteous and polite in your communications. Ensure you are using school/work appropriate language and tone.
The space online is still shared space. You are responsible for creating a respectful environment. Bullying, harassment, abusive language/images/content will not be tolerated.
We all need to take ownership over our actions and reactions. Ask yourself: would you say this to someone’s face? Would you be offended if someone said this to you? Can your words/phrases be easily misinterpreted? Are you conveying your intentions clearly? Have you possibly misinterpreted?
Have patience for both your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. This is a stressful time for everyone, people learn in different ways, and people have different levels of experience with technology; be compassionate. When frustrated, take a minute to think about how you can move toward in a positive way as opposed to "calling someone out".

Communicating in Online Spaces

 

Communicating in Online Forums

Ask yourself:

  • Would I say this out loud to a person’s face? If the answer is no, don’t make the post.
  • Could my tone or choice of words be misunderstood?
  • Am I disagreeing or arguing in a way that may be considered rude or insensitive? If the topic is heated, be extra careful of the words and tone used.
  • Consider getting a second opinion before you post to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Am I upset and responding in anger? Stop and wait before responding immediately. Our first response is often not our best.
  • Did I use all caps? This is often interpreted as anger or yelling. It is strongly advised to not use all caps in any communication, either academic or social.
  • Did I use emoticons, humour or sarcasm? Emoticons and humour are not understood by everyone the same way. They are best left out of online academic learning.

 

Communicating by Email

  • Check that your subject line accurately reflects the message in your email.
  • Use a proper greeting such as “Hi” or “Hello”.
  • Avoid slang, texting shorthand, and emoticons. School is a reflection of the workplace, so formal and proper language is expected.
  • Is your email a long stream of text? If so, add paragraphs and whitespace so the receiver may catch all the important information.
  • Sign your email with your full name and student number. Assume the reader does not recognize your email address.
  • If you are sending an email when you are upset or angry, take a 24-hour cooling off period. You can also get a second reader to ensure your message is clear, factual and non-reactive. These actions will ensure the receiver hears the message you want them to hear and that you are proud of sending the email you have written.

 

Participating in a Livestream Classroom

Show up on video as you would to class. Dress appropriately. Check that your background does not include any pictures or art that can be viewed as inappropriate, obscene, sexual in nature, or offensive.

Mute your microphone when joining the class and when not speaking. Paper shuffling, background music, dogs barking, or other people in your house can all create distractions for others.

 

 

Additional Guidelines

  • Be brief, but still thoughtful; sometimes lengthy contributions are more likely to be misunderstood
  • Be mindful of how much “space” you take up. In livestream classrooms, you cannot necessarily see if others are waiting to speak or have something they would like to contribute. Contribute freely, but allow others the space to do the same.
  • Differences of opinion occur in academic learning. Be respectful. Stay away from insults and personal remarks. Keep the content about the issues, not the people.
  • Ask for clarifications and accept that misunderstandings are common in the online world. Be professional and assertive, ask about intent, and give others the opportunity to explain.
  • If something does bother or offend you, find respectful ways to articulate this. If you require support, please contact your faculty member or the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and we can help problem-solve with you.

 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying takes many forms. Personal insults, excluding others from academic discussions, posting pictures without someone’s permission, gossiping and discussing others online, cyberstalking, and trolling can all be considered cyberbullying. This is against Fleming College’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy.

If cyberbullying or online harassment are impacting you, please connect with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

For Support and More Information

Student Rights and Responsibilities Website

Form to Report inappropriate behaviour

If you would like to speak to someone in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, please contact:
Amie Kroes, Manager Student Rights and Responsibilities
amie.kroes@flemingcollege.ca

 
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