Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Rules on Classroom Etiquette

Do you know the rules of online classroom etiquette?

Talking with professors and peers in an online classroom usually takes place over emails or discussion boards.

Professors typically open a discussion by posing a question to the class, and it's expected for students to offer their opinions. Because online discussions lack facial cues and vocal intonations, they can sometimes lead to miscommunication and even hurt feelings.

How do you argue with a classmate without appearing mean, bullying, or rude?

"Be respectful of other people's opinions, ethnicity, and gender," advises Bob Barrett, an instructor teaching MBA courses online at Franklin University.

Here are 5 helpful tips:
  1. Use "I" statements as often as possible.
  2. Argue with the idea, not the individual.
  3. Steer clear of sarcasm.
  4. Avoid using the word "you" when you mean "humankind" or "people."
  5. Thank others for sharing their viewpoints, even if they disagree.
Collaborate With Kindness
How do people talk to each other in online courses? Knowing what to expect can offer context about how to best communicate with your peers. Read more
Prepare for Success
Are you new to online learning? Having an idea of how a typical online course works can offer valuable insight about how to best work with your classmates. Read more

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