In any course in which learners are required to communicate with one another online, learners need to be aware of the concept of 'netiquette' and make a commitment to behaving respectfully towards one another from the start of the course. As the name implies, netiquette is about online etiquette, or showing respect to others in an online environment.
When communication takes place mostly, or entirely, through writing, it is very easy for misunderstandings to arise. It is very easy for someone to misinterpret a casual written comment made by another learner and take offence. Following netiquette guidelines can help prevent conflict in such situations.
People also need to be aware of, and tolerant of, different cultural views and different approaches to humour. If these things are discussed at the start of a course, there is a much greater likelihood of learners being able to work through difficulties by themselves when they occur, and not need the tutor’s intervention.
Below is a list of netiquette guidelines drawn up collaboratively by a group of learners in an Education Faculty course at the University of Southern Queensland:
Netiquette Guidelines
- Maintain civil discourse, be professional.
- Treat other people with respect: respect differences, use humour carefully, avoid using capitals (IT LOOKS LIKE SHOUTING!), show patience, flexibility and open-mindedness, respect people’s intellectual property and get permission to forward one another's messages.
- Support others to encourage participation and ensure that everyone feels valued.
- Check discussions frequently and respond in good time.
- Be constructive: think before responding and seek clarification if unsure, own your views (say 'I think'), refer to the issue not the person, be specific about what you disagree with and why, give concrete examples where possible to illustrate your point, and refer to things in a positive tone rather than a negative one (e.g. ‘I think Jones was actually referring to …’ rather than ‘Jones wasn’t referring to …’)
Footnote: We see these norms as flexible and are willing to change them during the course if necessary.
Reflection
- What do you know about your learners’ concept of netiquette? How do you think you could build in an explicit focus on netiquette at the start of your course?
- What do you think is the tutor's role if a situation arises in which a student takes offense at something that another student has said in the discussion forum?