Netiquette in the Online Classroom

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What do you get when you intertwine etiquette and the internet? The result is known as, netiquette. Netiquette, is defined as the “etiquette governing communication on the Internet” (Merriam-Webster, 2014). As an online student, it is extremely important to understand what netiquette is and how to ensure proper netiquette is used at all times. Although, an online classroom might be slightly different than a traditional classroom, there are still rules one should follow. To ensure the use of proper netiquette in an online classroom one must use appropriate language, have a positive attitude, and be considerate of others.
The first rule, one should follow to ensure proper netiquette is to use appropriate language. The use of smiley faces, "social" symbols, unfamiliar abbreviations, or negative comments about anyone, are considered to be inappropriate in an online classroom (Berk, 2011). These should not be used in forms, emails, or assignments. Proper grammar and correct spelling should also be used at all times; as it can reduce the chances of causing any confusion. Some tips to remember when it comes to checking for proper grammar and correct spelling is to use spell checker and read your work out loud. These little steps can help correct common errors one might over see as the type. Although we cannot see one another in an online environment, we should still be thoughtful when communicating. Typing in “ALL CAPS”, can be misunderstood as shouting, screaming, or yelling, while typing in all lower-case can be misconstrued as not caring (Online Learning Tips, 2010).
The second rule, one should follow to ensure proper netiquette is to maintain a positive attitude. Communicating online can be frustrating at times, especially if it ...

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... having a positive attitude, and being considerate of other are rules of netiquettes online students should always follow. Are you following proper netiquette?

Works Cited

Berk, R. A. (2011). Top 12 Be-Attitudes of Netiquette for Academicians. Journal of Faculty Development, 25(3), 45-48. Retrieved from http://www.ronberk.com/articles/2011_attitudes.pdf
Kernek, C., Lozada, H., & Mintu-Wimsatt, A. (2010). Netiquette: Make it Part of Your Syllabus. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 264-267. Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol6no1/mintu-wimsatt_0310.pdf
Merriam-Webster. (2014). Netiquette. Retrieved from http://merriam-webster.com/dictionary/netiquette
Online Learning Tips. (2010). Rules of "netiquette". Retrieved from http://onlinelearningtips.com/tag/netiquette/
Shea, V. (1994). Core rules of netiquette. San Francisco, CA: Albion Books.

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