Digital citizenship & netiquette guidelines

Remember to THINK

Overview
     

Digital citizenship & netiquette guidelines

The following tips can help you communicate well online. Read through each one to enhance your development as a positive digital citizen.

 

Be Respectful, Clear, and Professional

      • Clear and effective writing translates to clear and effective communication. Consider the purpose of the communication and your audience.
      • Use a respectful tone and adhere to the same rules your would follow in traditional classrooms.
      • Use proper grammar, spelling and formatting, and check all communications before sending.
      • Avoid emotional and "all capital letter" statements and keep communications meaningful and to the point. Remember that you are beginning to develop your professional online presence.
      • Read what you’ve written out loud. If you aren’t sure it will be perceived as respectful, rewrite it.

 

Read and Formulate Responses Carefully

      • When you read communications written by other students, take the time to thoughtfully examine what they have written, considering all points, to help you avoid confusion and prepare you for valid responses.
      • Before you respond, take the time to research your own facts and provide citations for information stated within your communications. This promotes a robust academic environment and adds credibility to your contributions.
      • If given the option, consider recording an audio or video post. Our facial expressions and voice tone can add context to your response and help others see and/or hear your intent.

 

Be Patient and Cooperative

      • Keep in mind that every student is participating to learn, and anyone can make a simple mistake in research, knowledge, or communication.
      • Address the idea/concept, not the person.
      • Keep an open mind and focus on the task at hand, learning.
      • When adverse conditions arise and communications get strained, try to help rather than hinder. Keep in mind, as a community, you are working together to learn. If you are feeling frustrated, it is ok to 'pause' and leave that communication thread.
      • True cooperation means working together to the same end, as everyone wants to be successful in any given course.
      • If you feel a peer's post is offensive or inappropriate, contact your instructor to share your concerns, not the other student!

 

Keep it Professional and Confidential

      • All online communications should be transmitted with the intent to inform and inspire, not to offend or breach personal privacy. Keeping your contact professional and confidential will ensure that this is the case.
      • Never use private information about other individuals and be sensitive to the information you share about yourself.
      • Use slang, jargon, abbreviations, or sarcasm cautiously as they can confuse your recipient.