Netiquette Expectations (for Discussion Forums, emails, peer reviews, and etc.)

Without face-to-face interactions, communication through digital format requires special attention to make it effective. Use the following guidelines for discussion forums and other written communication such as emails and peer reviews throughout the course:

Be considerate: To help the readers understand you, consider yourself as a reader. Set the depth of the discussion appropriate for the topic that most readers can understand in the class. Set the tone appropriate for the communication medium. For a peer review, start with a positive comments and balance among critique, constructive suggestions, and personal comments.
Contents: Share your thoughts and ideas with the group. Keep your questions and comments relevant to the focus of the discussion. Keep discussion posts/messages short and to the point. Work with the 5 W's and the H and include all essential information.
Subject line: Keep it short and informative. People receive a lot of messages daily, so they use the subject line to determine the importance of the email. An unclear subject line may result an unintended consequence. If you need to discuss something new in a thread of a post/email, then start a new thread with a new subject line. Do not mix multiple topics within a thread.
Length of discussion post/message: A good rule of thumb is fitting a post/message within a monitor screen - a length of two screens is still okay. Being concise and precise is a key in effective communication. Reading long posts/messages are tiresome; some may skip to the end and miss key points. For long posts/messages, use bullet points and summarize at the end.
Replying to a post/message: Be specific. Simply saying "Yes" could be confusing. Simple replies such as "Good idea!", or "I agree!" doesn't contribute anything to the discussion. Include substantive comments including why and what, and perhaps follow-up questions. For an unrelated or different topic, start a new message/post.
Writing style:
- Use short sentences and simple English.
- Get into your stride with using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. For example, capitalize the first letter of a sentence. Typing in a word-processor first helps.
- Be informal but not sloppy or disrespectful. Avoid text messaging abbreviations, e.g. "GI, CU2 2nite".
- Avoid using all caps - this is the text equivalent of YELLING.
- Edit statements that could be interpreted as offensive.
Layout & Formatting: Keep your message organized and neatly presented. Consider that you are "publishing" your paper to the public - in fact, you are. Try this:
a. Add additional space between paragraphs.
b. For multiple questions or points, consider using a list (numbered or bulleted). They work well in presenting complex ideas.
c. Use text formatting to emphasize. Avoid over using it.
d. Add a link for more detail.
Wit and humor: An occasional and proper wit and humor can be refreshing. However, using humor too often or sending inconsiderate jokes will offend people. Be mindful when using humor. Avoid sarcasm. Without face-to-face interaction, your good-hearted humor may be received as criticism.
Pause and read: When you participate in a sensitive or complex discussion, be sure to give yourself some time to reflect on your statements. Read your message from the recipient's perspectives to see if there is anything missing or unclear.
When you ask for a favor or question, saying "please" and "thank you" is a good idea.
Closing: Acknowledge and express your appreciation to the people for their comments on your posts/work.
Sign-off and close: Consider including your contact information such as your e-mail address (not necessary in Canvas unless you want to communicate outside of Canvas). Sign-off with your name. For an important message, put your full name even though the recipient may know you.
The big no-no: Do not engage in "flaming" (posting offensive messages) in discussion forums. Consider discussion forums as face-to-face discussions in a classroom. Remember that these discussion forums are public and meant for academic learning. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you think you might be too emotional, do not send the message. Save it for at least a day and review it later. You can compose a much more effective response in that way. Also, you may feel regret and embarrassment. Remember, once you send, you cannot take it back.
Check your Inbox and discussion forums daily at the minimum. Respond to messages and posts in a timely manner.