Communication Studies: "Netiquette and Email Etiquette"

Some elements of etiquette and courtesy will never go out of style, regardless of the social medium. Since online classes are almost entirely conducted with the written word, it becomes very important to write "politely" and interface with your fellow students and colleagues in a positive and constructive manner. Some simple rules may keep you from inadvertently offending others.

• Always consider the feelings and sensibilities of others. Basic politeness includes the addition of "please" and "thank you" when handling and responding to requests. It's very easy in an electronic medium to quickly brush these simple courtesies aside, but it is an important task and always the polite thing to do.

• Have some patience when dealing with others in class. One of the many benefits of online education is the asynchronous nature of our classes. That independence of schedule has a cost: we are not all in class, or online, at the same times each day.  Remember that not everyone is aware of your individual schedule.

• It can be embarrassing or awkward to send personal or sensitive information in emails. There have been countless examples of how the speed and span of the internet have been used to spread information, both good and bad, all over the globe in a matter of seconds. To avoid difficult situations, always remember that email should be treated as a public and visible system.

• When requesting educational or technical support, be sure to include enough information for support personnel or faculty so that your need can be thoroughly addressed. When you give a good description of your problem, you assist Sandhills Community College staff in meeting your needs quickly and accurately.

Effective online communication requires a level of mutually acceptable and understandable civility. Without the added nuance of facial expression, vocal inflection and body language available in a face-to-face classroom, we are left solely with the sharing of the written word to express our views and with which to understand the specific intentions of our classmates.

Treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself, and that will avoid almost all difficulties.

Recognize that we are all individuals with unique needs, abilities, sensitivities and motivations. Just as in any face-to-face classroom environment, you will find you agree with some, and with others you disagree. Accept that all have something to offer, and that each person brings qualities and knowledge from which the class can learn. You never know, you may even find lifelong friends here at Sandhills Community College!

• Write in a style worthy of your college status.  Use correct English grammar, including proper capitalization and punctuation.  Reference the assignment, prompt, or discussion question at the beginning of your posting so that your peers and instructor are clear about your focus and response.

• Always read your posts TWICE before hitting the "send" button. This is something that people have neglected to do at one time or another, and they may have suffered unpleasant consequences as a result. Read your post aloud to yourself, just to ensure that your writing has a smooth flow and expresses both the content and character of your desired statement.

• Commit yourself to reading each of your classmates posts thoroughly and to giving them all due consideration. You will find that your classmates are bright, articulate, and have a lot of experience to offer, just like you!

• Recognize that each of your classmates are unique and bring to the class a wealth of experiences, abilities, and knowledge that will enrich all who take the time to consider them.

• What you get out of each class will depend mainly upon what you bring to it. For that reason, a high degree of participation is not only expected, it is required to complete the program. Online programs are not a good forum to sit back and take notes. The whole class benefits when all participate to the highest level possible.

• Bring your knowledge and experiences to share; but leave your biases, prejudices and negative stereotypes behind. They have no place in an educational environment.

• Log in to class each day ready to learn, and ready to share. Encourage your classmates with your comments, your questions, and your feedback.

• You are encouraged to openly debate and question, but demeaning and harassing others will not be tolerated. Learning is best accomplished through encouragement and sharing and not through intimidation and negativity.

• Be open-minded with regard to your own beliefs and willing to consider the viewpoint of others.