Establishing Expectations for Behaviour: The Dos and Don'ts for Online Student Communication
Please read the "Dos and Don'ts for Online Student Communication" below:
- Use each other's names. Using a person's name when you respond to his/her posting creates a friendly online tone. However, do not use the person's full name. Instead, please use the username the school board has given to you (the first four initials of your first name and a random 4 digit number).
- Read questions and conversational postings carefully to avoid unnecessary confusion.
- Compliment your peers when they post strong responses or contribute original ideas.
- Ask questions. If anything is unclear or you want further information or insight on a topic, just ask. If you have a question, there are probably other members of the group who are confused and need further clarification as well.
- Be considerate. Remember that your peers cannot see your body language or hear your tone of voice, so you need to keep your language direct and respectful.
- Avoid slang, jargon and sarcasm.
- Listen to all ideas presented. Remember there is no right or wrong in a discussion. A variety of perspectives add depth and I love depth! :-)
- Stay open minded.
- Respond instead of reacting. Do not write a response if you are angry or upset. Instead, wait until you have had time to calm down and collect your thoughts.
- Really read your peers responses. Avoid skimming. Respect the time your peers have spent articulating their thoughts by reading carefully and thoughtfully.
- Reread your messages before sending them to ensure that your ideas are clearly communicated and supported.
- Critique the content, not the person.
- Do not present your personal opinions as fact. Back up your ideas with information to strengthen your statements.
- Courteously answer all questions addressed directly to you.
- Make "I" statements when respectfully disagreeing. Sharing an opposing opinion or idea is an important part of discussion, but it needs to be presented in a constructive manner that encourages further discussion.
- Do not use all caps when writing. It is interpreted as yelling.
- Avoid emotional punctuation, like exclamation points, unless you are complimenting an idea shared.
Have I missed anything? Is there anything that you would like to add to the list? Please let me know in the comments section.
Thank-you for your feedback and let's have a great year blogging! :-)
Mr. Boettger
Please remember this about the internet and privacy: Photo courtesy of Dave Hoffman
As well as this: This picture pretty much sums everything up! I can't remember where I found it. So, apologies to the person that made it. When I find it again, I will give the proper credit!
Be safe everyone!
