Online Etiquette
A few standard digital etiquette rules go a long way in helping to ensure communication is appropriate.
- When talking, speak slowly and clearly while facing the microphone or webcam.
- Be respectful of each other and the professors. Politeness and professionalism are expected at all times. A statement that would be inappropriate in a traditional face-to-face classroom is also inappropriate in an online classroom.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.
- Back up your stated opinions with facts and cite your sources.
- Respect the privacy of your classmates and what they share in class, including online.
- Be patient, especially when you’re interacting with someone whose first language is not the same as your own.
- Pay attention to your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and avoid slang.
- Be mindful that typing in all capital letters is the online equivalent of shouting and is usually inappropriate in a class.
- Be aware that humor and sarcasm are easily misread online and perceived as impolite or offensive, especially across cultures.
- Tips on Synchronous Interaction
- Tips from SUNY Online Teaching for having a good synchronous discussion and links to further info.
Setting Expectations for Group Work
Click here to download the setting expectations checklist for students.
It’s important to set ground rules for the group work that is a key component of your COIL experience.