Netiquette for All Classes
This particular posting is divided into two sections. The first section draws your attention to the proper way to write e-mail (and other messages) to your instructor, and the second part addresses proper etiquette for Discussion Threads.
For this class, follow all these guidelines.
Part One: E-mail Communication with Instructors:
In general, for all communication with your instructors, you want to state your point clearly and avoid overly informal language. So consider the following suggestions for e-mail communication in this class and others.
When you send your instructor an e-mail, use the following guidelines:
a) Never send an e-mail message with a blank subject line.
b) Make the subject line as specific as possible.
c) In your message, include your name and the class in which you are enrolled.
d) Remember your audience and use a friendly but professional tone.
e) Begin your message with a salutation, such as Dear Professor Jones or Hello Doctor Clemente.
f) Conclude your message as you would a letter.
g) ALWAYS USE GOOD GRAMMAR, which includes proper word choice, good sentence structure, correct punctuation, proper paragraphing, and excellent spelling.
h) Whenever possible, send messages using your acornmail address because tons of spam crowd e-mail accounts.
Part TWO: On-line Discussion Threads
Netiquette is etiquette (good manners, acceptable behavior) for the Internet. To enjoy productive online discussions, writers need to bear in mind some guidelines for this very new educational experience.
Bear in mind the following nine (9) protocols that appear in Teaching Online by William A. Draves (River Falls, WI: LERN Books, 2002); the material is copied with the author's permission:
1) Think of your comments as printed in a newspaper.
Remember that your conversations on the web do not resemble comments you make in a regular conversation--they are copied and saved and available for a long time!! If a discussion becomes somewhat heated, before you make an emotional or outrageous or sarcastic or personal attack comment on line, think about whether you would care if it was seen in your local newspaper.
2) Do not get emotional:
It is fine to express emotion. It is great to be passionate. But when your emotion overtakes you, take a step outside, take come deep breaths, and then return to your computer.
3) Avoid self-centered comments:
If you have an idea, great. If you want to contribute to an ongoing discussion, terrific. But do not tell others all about your personal problems unless they contribute in specific ways to the class.
4) Avoid negativity:
You can disagree. You should disagree. You and challenge and dissent about ideas and the course content. But do not become negative online.
5) No flaming, ALL CAPS, !!!, ????, Hello!!!:
Do not be Aggressive and/or condescending online.
6) Comments should be polite, understated, and put in positive terms:
Online we are all sensitive--and online, negative comments hit with the force of a hammer. Using bold, frank, overstated language conveys an emotional aggressiveness that hinders your message and stifles open conversation. Online, be polite. Understate rather than overstate your point.
7) Disagree politely:
When you disagree politely, you stimulate and encourage great discussion. You also maintain positive relationships with others with whom you may disagree to a certain point.
ON LINE, PURSUE ALWAYS THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
YES Rules
Yes, you can ask any question you want.
Yes, you can reply and respond to any comment you want.
Yes, there are no stupid questions.
Yes, there are no right answers, and no wrong answers.
Yes, every comment is valuable.
NO Rules
No negative statements about other comments
No negative statements about other participants online.
Be careful about using humor.
No acronyms that not everyone would understand or know.
No "inside" comments or clique communication.
Contact: Peru State College
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http://www.hpcnet.org/peru/schoolartsandsciences/language/clemente/fall2006/nonwestoncampus/netiquette Last Modified: 08/16/2006
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