What are the guidelines for online communication with my instructor and my peers?
Online Communication Guidelines
Written communication in an online community is an extremely important factor in all online educational programs. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial to the success of all online learning. Below is a list of general guidelines to consider as you take this and all other online courses at the Ohio State University.
Your instructor likely has additional requirements for your online communication by email, on the discussion board, in web conferences, or in other venues. Refer to your syllabus/course materials for specific policies. Be aware of and follow those guidelines as well.
Students in an online community should be:
- Considerate
- Treat each other with respect. Take the time to read and respond to each other in such a way that a learning environment can continue to develop. Format your post so that everyone can learn from your knowledge, skills, and experience.
- Encouraging
- Not everyone may be familiar with the discussion board format; be wary of making any assumptions about computer/internet literacy. Notice the habits of your classmates. Provide encouragement for creative and critical conversation.
- Helpful
- Even a well-presented and structured course may create some confusion. It is very easy to lose your place or miss reading information on certain links or pages. When other students are lost, offer a helping hand by pointing them in the right direction so they can regain their confidence in the online classroom.
- Aware
- We all have had different life experiences. Be aware that your written word is the only form of communication in an asynchronous learning environment. Use your words carefully. Ask yourself if your comment could possibly be interpreted as insulting, disrespectful, discriminating, mocking, or rude. How would you feel if this comment were directed toward you?
“SHOUTING” online should be avoided. Using all capital letters when communicating in an online environment is known as shouting. This usage is considered a rude method of communicating. Avoid using all capital letters in your online communications.
Quality of Discussion Board Writing
Think of everything you post on the boards as an essay (albeit brief) that is to conform to college-level writing. Leave the informal, personal tone for face-to-face communication. That is, proper spelling and grammar are expected, and use of chatspeak or emoticons is discouraged.