Understanding Netiquette

 

The term "netiquette" is a compound of the words "network" and "etiquette". It refers to acceptable codes of practice for interacting with others while online. It is important for online communicators to maintain a respectful online voice at all times.

  

• Be professional at all times. You are preparing yourself to be a career professional. Remember this as you communicate online.  Always use proper spelling, grammar and capital letters.

• Be considerate and respectful. The sending of spam mail to fellow classmates or instructors is not allowed. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

• Be careful with humor and sarcasm. Because there are no visual cues in distance education, humor and sarcasm are impossible to discern. Be very careful when interjecting humor and refrain from using any remarks that are sarcastic in nature.

• Harassment and other offensive behavior are not allowed. The online learning environment is no place to harass, threaten, or embarrass others. Comments that can be viewed, as offensive, sexist, or racially motivated will not be tolerated. It is never appropriate to put anyone down because of his or her age, race, religion, color, sex, or sexual orientation.

• Respect copyrights and intellectual property. Students may not post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that they know or could reasonably be expected to know is illegal, or content that violates copyright or other protected intellectual property rights.

• Capital letters and bolding. In written communication, the use of capital letters and/or bolding is used for emphasis. In much of the corporate world, writing in all caps is considered yelling. Yelling is not tolerated in a residential classroom and, therefore, is not acceptable in any online communications with students.