icon of a laptop


Module 2: Netiquette

Good manners are important. You are expected to treat your classmates and instructor with respect. Here are some important netiquette rules that all members of the Queensborough Community College community are expected to follow.

instructor helping students on their computer


1. Everyone deserves to be treated as a respected colleague.

• Exhibit the same courtesy to your classmates and professor, as you would expect to receive in the workplace. It is okay to disagree about the subject manner. But, be open-minded and accepting of constructive criticism and difference of opinion.

• Make certain that your tone is positive and professional. Before you hit the submit button, review your message carefully. Ask yourself if you would want your message to appear on the front page of the New York Times with your name and photograph. Remember, everything you submit is being recorded.

• Flaming, or bashing, is when someone attacks a person instead of the logic of his or her argument. Flaming will not be tolerated.

• Sarcasm or other forms of personal abuse will not lead to better grades. It will not be tolerated and will have a negative effect on your grade.

• Offering constructive criticism is always appropriate.

• If someone posts a message that is difficult to understand or offensive, ask for clarification.

• Be forgiving: If you feel that someone has attacked you personally, do not respond in kind. Instead, Inform the instructor.


2. Any behavior that is inappropriate in a traditional classroom is inappropriate in an online classroom.


3. Writing for an online class is formal writing.

• Use proper English.
• Do not use humor, as it is easily misunderstood.
• Profanity is never acceptable.
• Avoid slang.
• Avoid jargon, unless practitioners of the discipline commonly use it.
• Avoid acronyms — BTW, LOL, etc. — or emoticons — :-/, :-0, etc.
• WRITING IN ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING. Please, no shouting!
• Do not overuse exclamation points (!).
• Read typed discussion threads from the first message to the last before you write.
• Think before you write: Ask yourself if your message is coherent. If you are not sure, read it to someone else before posting it.
• Be clear and concise: Do not burden the class with rambling, repetitive postings.
• Use short paragraphs (three to four lines); as they are much easier to read online.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread: Use the spelling and grammar checker that comes with your word processor, then paste your comments into the Blackboard message or email.


4. Respect Privacy.

• Protect your privacy: Class discussions are open forums for the entire class. If you have something private to say to your instructor, send him or her an email or visit during office hours.
• Protect everyone else's privacy: Do not spam your classmates or instructor. Do not invite them to see your Facebook page, listen to your sales pitches, or discuss anything other than the course curriculum.
• Never send harassing emails.
• If you want to socialize with classmates, use your private email address.


5. Be an active participant in class discussions.

• When you actively participate in the discussion you are more likely to be rewarded and viewed as a valued member of the class.
• Reading messages without participating will not only hurt your grade, it is considered rude.
• When you don't participate in the online activities of a course you are more likely to be marked as absent for that class.


6. Check the Discussion Forums and your email often.

• Promptly reply to comments about your postings on discussion forums and to any eMails.
• Try to respond within 24 hours, but do not to take longer than 48 hours.


7. Missing deadlines is rude.

• Each instructor may have their own policy regarding missed deadlines. However, you are responsible for submitting your assignments on time. If you miss a deadline, contact your instructor immediately to discuss your options.


8. Protect yourself: Always save and print your work before posting and emailing.

• Save your work to the hard drive of your personal computer.
• Back up your hard drive often.
• Keep printed copies of your work.
• Protect yourself and your classmates from computer viruses by using an anti-virus program.


9. Just as in a face-to-face course, attending your online course is important.

• It is your responsibility to check the Blackboard course site regularly.
• Plan on devoting at least 9 - 12 hours of course time per week for a three-credit course.
• When you don't participate in the online activities of a course you are more likely to be marked as absent for that class.
• Let your instructor know if you will be absent.


10. Please contact your instructor if you have any questions about netiquette.

 


Self-Review Questions
Your answers from the Self-Review won't be collected, analyzed or graded. The main purpose of this activity is to help you understand some important Netiquette rules that all members of the Queensborough Community College community are expected to follow.

Directions: For each question in the Self-Review Questions, select one answer by clicking the button next to it. When you are finished answering all of the questions, click the Submit button at the bottom of the page.

 

 Quiz Group