GUIDE TO ONLINE COURSES

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when communicating with peers and instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are known as netiquette.

SECURITY

Remember that your password is the only thing that protects you from jokes or more serious damage.

• Do not share your password with anyone.
• Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
• Always log out when you finish using the system.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

When communicating online, you should always:

• Treat your instructor and classmates with respect by email or any other communication.
• Always use the appropriate title of your teachers: Dr. or Prof., or if you have doubts, use Mr. or Mrs.
• Unless you are specifically invited, do not refer to your instructor by name.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Remember that all college level communication must have correct spelling and grammar (this includes discussion boards).
• Avoid jargon terms like "wassup?" and text message abbreviations like "u" instead of "you".
• Use standard fonts like Ariel, Calibri or Times New Roman and use a 10 or 12 pt size. 
• Avoid using the caps lock feature as it MAY BE INTERPRETED AS SHOUTING.
• Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) or. Be careful when using humor or sarcasm, as sometimes you lose the tone in an email or discussion post and your message may be taken seriously or it may seem offensive.
• Be careful with personal information (both yours and others').
• Do not send confidential information by email.

When sending an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or peers class, you must:

• Use a descriptive theme line
• Be brief.
• Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.
• Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.
• Sign your message with your name and send your email address.
• Think before sending the email to more than one person. Does everyone really need to see your message?
• Make sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your reply when you click "reply everyone."
• Make sure that the originator of the message wants the information to be transmitted before clicking the "forward" button.

TAGS AND GUIDELINES OF THE MESSAGE BOARD

When you post to the Discussion Board in your online class, you should:

• Make publications on the subject and within the scope of the course material.
• Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before submitting.
• Be as brief as possible while still making an exhaustive comment.
• Always grant adequate credit when referring or citing another source.
• Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.
• Don't repeat someone else's post without adding something of your own.
• Avoid short, generic responses like "I agree." You must include why you agree or add to the previous point.
• Always be respectful of the opinions of others, even when they differ from yours.
• When you disagree with someone, you should express your different opinion in a respectful and non-critical way.
• Do not make personal or insulting comments.
• Be open minded.