Online Discussion Etiquette

When participating in online discussions, please consider the following guidelines:

Connect with People

While an online course can feel like you are interacting with just a computer, remember there are people on the other side of the screen. As you make discussion posts and comments, think about how the person on the receiving end of your message might interpret your words. Feel free to ask for clarification on a post if needed. If you feel lost or have questions about course content, please post on our “ask the class” discussion board.

Read/View Before you Write

When responding to your peers, read their posts carefully before your respond. In a face-to-face conversation, we have to listen before we speak. In an online conversation, we have to read before we write.

Be Clear, Concise, and Proofread

Write a draft of your post and before you click the submit button, read your message aloud to yourself or someone else to make sure your message can be easily understood. In general, it works best to avoid language that is humorous, angry, sarcastic, or offensive. Since most of our interaction will be text-only, your audience won’t be able to pick up on “cues” such as body language, vocal inflection or facial expressions. This means the potential for misinterpretation and misunderstanding is higher, so be as clear as you can.

Be Inclusive

Please respect diversity and come to our discussions with an attitude of openness. Paying attention to alternative viewpoints is one of the greatest ways to learn. It is ok to disagree with a point of view, but it is definitely inappropriate to disrespect and be offensive towards others. If you notice an inappropriate comment in our course, especially if that comment targets a particular individual or community, please alert your instructor.

Respect your Classmate’s Privacy

The messages we post in class are for the purposes of class discussion and learning. Please do not share your peer’s contributions to our class without their written permission. If someone writes you a private e-mail, respect that privacy. If someone shares personal information in a post, respect and honor their privacy by keeping that conversation within our class. You are ALWAYS welcome to share ideas and talk about what you are learning with others outside of our class, just make sure you don’t share information that was intended to be kept private.

Remember, Words are Forever

Once you submit your message, whether in e-mail or as a post to a blog or discussion group, you won’t be able to easily take back your words. Anything we type and post has the potential to be made public. While I am asking everyone to respect the privacy of classmates, I cannot guarantee it, so please take care as you post.

Adapted with gratitude from the University of Texas at Arlington Online Etiquette Guidelines

Email Etiquette

Part of becoming a communication professional is learning to communicate professionally with your professors and colleagues. When sending me email, please:

Use your university email account.
Include an informative subject line.
Include a salutation (such as Dear Professor Smith, Greetings, or Hello) and a signature.
Specify the course and section your message refers to.
Be brief, clear and polite.
Write in complete sentences.
Wait 24 hours before sending a follow up note (I will do my best to respond to all email in 24 hours. If I do not respond in this timeframe, feel free to send me a follow up message).

3/2021 J. Considine, UWO Communications