Netiquette Guide for Online Courses (Abstracted from teach.ufl.edu)
It is important to recognize that the online classroom is a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when you participate in class and communicate with both your peers and your instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are known as Netiquette--a social code that defines “good” online behavior.
Security
Don't share your password with anyone.
Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
Always log out when you are finished using the system.
General Guidelines
Participating in class
Arrive to class on time or early, check your connectivity, and be ready to listen and participate; remove distractions.
Unless instructed otherwise, mute upon entry.
Leave your camera on unless instructed otherwise.
Follow the instructor’s directions for asking questions in class; use chat, raise your hand, or “stay after class” to ask questions rather than interrupting.
Communicating online
Treat your instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other communication.
Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof.
Unless specifically invited, don’t refer to your instructor by first name.
Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETTED AS YELLING.
Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post; your message might be taken seriously or sound offensive.
Be careful with personal information (both yours and other’s).
Do not send confidential information via e-mail.
Message Board Netiquette and Guidelines
Posting on the Discussion Boards or chats
Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before sending.
Be brief but thorough.
Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting 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 to it.
Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree;” your posts should demonstrate an ability to synthesize the material and critically analyze what is being presented.
Always be respectful of others’ opinions even when they differ from your own.
Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
The instructor reserves the right to remove any post that is deemed inappropriate for class discussion.