Online Course Etiquette (Netiquette)

Online communication is a very critical component of any online environment. There could be asynchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS NOT coordinated in time; such as a discussion forums, emails, blogs, wikis, etc.) or synchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS coordinated in time; such as a LIVE chat session, LIVE office hours, web-conferences, etc.) in an online environment.

What Is Netiquette?

By definition, etiquette is "the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group." In cyberspace, netiquette is "acceptable way of communicating and behaving on the Internet."

Netiquette Tips

Regardless of the type of communication used, you should always keep in mind the following:

be respectful
be considerate of others
think through before responding
write clearly and concisely
respond in a timely manner
use short paragraphs
spell-check your responses

Avoid:

CAPITAL LETTERS may be used to EMPHASIZE, but avoid typing in only capital letters as it may "sound" AS THOUGH YOU'RE SHOUTING!
rambling writing style; get to the point quickly
screens full of text

Office of Information Technology
Department of Learning Technologies
University Center 337
Phone: (903) 334-6603
E-mail: learningtech@tamut.edu