Lesson Overview

This semester, video conferencing and virtual chat rooms are our new classroom and, we all be interacting with each other through different online programmes, through discussion prompts and video reflections. We will be sharing and commenting on each other’s projects this way rather than being in a face-to-face class 100% of the time. This is why polite video conferencing and online classroom etiquette is just as important as minding your manners in the university classroom.

So when we talk “Netiquette”, we mean etiquette in the virtual classroom. Netiquette combines the words internet and etiquette and is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Video conferencing etiquette for polite behaviour is just as important as your behaviour in the actual, live classroom. Here, we will look at tools for how we can be respectful, productive and have fun while we're learning online. We hope that this session will help you navigate your online classes with grace and that it will make everyone’s time in the online classroom more enjoyable by minimising unnecessary disruptions.

Some of the learning objectives of this session include:

How to behave properly in an online classroom
Communication to with peers and lecturers
Using your microphone and webcam
How to be an active, engaged student in the virtual classroom
Copyrights, privacy and dress code

UCC Netiquette poster.pdf

Netiquette Minute Methods Video

10 Tips for UCC Netiquette

Online communication skills are really important for 21^st century learners and students. With everyone working from home and using the virtual world to work, study and interact, it is more important than ever to be aware of the dos and don’ts for the online classrooms - this session is going to help you do it well!

Generally, the rule applies that what’s not appropriate in the classroom is not appropriate in an online class but we have put together 10 recommendations, and other tips that apply to any online classes, no matter which online service your department uses, whether it is Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Canvas or other applications. The online classroom, just like the real classroom, should be a safe space where everyone should feel comfortable to share ideas. Please follow these recommendations as best as you can as they will help ensure that all students have a positive experience in the virtual classroom.

#1: Your Online Class Environment

Before you start the call or video conference, make sure you pick your environment wisely. While it may not always be possible, try to find a quiet room in the house where you can take the call or video conference for your class. Ideally, communicate with your housemates or roommates that you have to take a class and ask them for exclusive access to a quiet room or the living room in your house. Set up your space where there are limited or no distractions. For example, you don’t want to be sitting in the kitchen or the family room with your little sister running around and making a lot of noise. A room without distractions will help you take better notes, pay better attention to the content of the lecturer and allow you to learn and understand the material better.

Also be aware that, via your video camera, you are welcoming people into your home! Turn on your camera before your class and take a look at what is around you, is it what you want everyone else to see?

#2: Your Microphone and Audio Settings

Always mute your microphone when first entering a class, a video conference or an online session. Mute is your friend! A simple rule to follow here: Only unmute yourself if instructed to do so or unless you want to say something, for nothing else! Any time you are not talking, your mic should be muted. If it is a smaller class, you may of course briefly greet the instructor and your classmates but mute yourself then until instructed to do otherwise. If you do speak in class, let others know when you are finished speaking by saying “that’s all” or “I’m done, thank you!”, then mute your mic to confirm you are done.

We recommend that you use a headset with an external microphone, e.g. earphone that have a mic attached, because it offers the best audio but don’t worry if that is not available. Most computers have a built-in mic that you can use.

#3: Your Camera and Internet

Always test your equipment before it is time to sign on! Before you head into the meeting or video class, check your internet connection, your headset or microphone and, if required, your camera. Make sure your devices are charged so you don’t drop out of the call in an inconvenient time which may cause you to miss important content.

If your internet is strong enough to support the use of your webcam, you may switch it on, unless otherwise instructed by your lecturer. As many students are dealing with slow broadband, your instructor may advise you to turn off your camera to allow for better connection and access to the class for all students. If the use of the camera is required but your internet is not strong enough to support the use of a camera, simply let the lecturer know in the chat function or email them in advance that you will only be joining by audio.

If you are using your camera, make sure that the device you are using – your phone, computer, iPad – is placed on a flat surface so that the camera image is not constantly in motion. Also, make sure you have a neutral background or use a stock image as your background, you may not want the rest of the class to see your bedroom. If your camera is on, be conscious of your manners: wear appropriate clothes, don’t text or look at other devices or walk around the room or house while you are on camera.

#4: Your Participation and the Chat Function

If you want to ask a question, comment on something or participate in the class in another way, you may virtually raise your hand and unmute yourself when permitted to do so by the lecturer. Alternatively, you can use the chat function of the video conferencing programme by typing your question in the chat area. The chat function is a good way to get some of your questions answered without having to stop the teacher or interrupt the session. Asking question in the chat allows the lecturer or your classmates to continue their class but read your question or comment and respond to it when it is convenient or fits into the schedule of the course. MS Teams, for example, has a “Raise Your Hand” function in the options bar that pops up when you click on the meeting screen. Don’t forget to lower your hand when you are done talking.

You can also use the chat function to agree or disagree with your professor or fellow classmates or to confirm their statements or answer their questions in the chat. For example, it helps to give a thumbs up if your question has been answered or you could type “that’s a good point”, “I agree with you”, “that is a great idea!”, “here is the link to that”, “did you mean this?” or “thank you for your contribution”. That way you don’t interrupt but show that you are an active listener. Teachers want you to be paying attention to them, so being active in the chat signals to your instructor that you are participating and following along.

When you are writing to your lecturers, professional staff or your peers, the general rule of thumb should always be adhering to the Four P's of online communication:

be polite
be positive
be professional
and participate!

On a related note:

If you have a question that you do not want to ask during class or if it is a question about something that is specific to you individual case or just applies to your specific assignment, email your professor after the class or ask if you can stay on the call after the session. That way, they can close down the class but discuss your question with you afterwards. If that is not possible, request a call with them, an appointment with them in their “virtual office hours” so to say, or email them your questions and concerns.

#5: Online Discussion Forums

There are many ways you will be asked to interact and communicate with each other online this semester. For example, via Teams meetings or chats or through Canvas your professor, lecturer or tutor might ask you to contribute to an online discussion board. The same rules that apply in a classroom discussion apply to an online discussion and your contribution to online discussion boards and forums. In an online environment, we present ourselves without nonverbal clues. That means our virtual classmates can often not see our facial expressions when they read our entries or identify our tone of voice. Especially in an online discussion board, the perception of us is only based on our written words. So choose your words well. You want to communicate in a professional way at any time and in any given situation. So please remember that you are communicating with or responding to an actual person. Be respectful and respect each other’s privacy and feelings when you interact with other students or respond to or evaluate their postings, entries or arguments.

Remember, the online forum or discussion board you have been asked to participate in is not for political conflicts or student drama, so please be mindful and keep your comments directed to the course material and to professional and collegial methods of evaluating and responding. Before responding think about your comment: is it truthful, helpful, inspiring, kind, necessary? If we all think about our comments before we type them out and submit them, we will create a successful learning environment together. Just like we practice active listening, we want to practice active reading before posting so always read the post thoroughly – and perhaps even re-read it – before you comment or respond.

Keep in mind, while on different social media platforms posting is perhaps casual with low standards for grammar and expression, a discussion board or online class, however, is an academic setting. Please write your posts using the high standards of grammar, composition and spelling that you would use in addressing your lecturer or your fellow students in a face-to-face setting or in an essay or email. That means also that you should take some time to plan your post or entry and that you would spell-check your text before you post!

On a discussion board, you may be encouraged to post different points of view and to respond in time, however, your responses should always be geared toward the task or assignment so that it is highlighting your position and will not misconstrued as a personal attack. Also, staying on topic will help ensure that we are all working on the same learning target, so only add or include links, pictures or comments of things that are related to the discussion.

If you're responding with a different point of view, acknowledge your classmate’s point by restating it in your own words. This will let them know that you’re trying to understand their point while communicating your opinion; you may, for example, start the sentence with “in my opinion” or if it is someone else’s idea, begin with “according to XYZ”. It is OK to respectfully disagree with another student, you could say “I hear what you are saying but I have to disagree because…” and then give your reasons why your opinion may be more likely to be considered or more valid.

If ever an entry from another student makes you angry or agitated: pause, think, write out your response, edit it, wait a few hours and only then submit it if you still feel like you have chosen the right words. Generally, try drafting your comment in a Word document first, edit it, cut it down and make it concise and only then submit it on the Canvas forum or other any other discussion board.

In your comments or if you are asked to respond to another student, be supportive and give positive feedback to your classmates, and make sure you detail what was good about, e.g., a presentation, or a student’s contribution, by saying something like “I really like the way you did this”. Remember, this is our means of interacting with each other in an academic way right now! Your professors and lecturers want you to share your thoughts and ideas. Please be honest, thoughtful and constructive, but don’t forget that your audience and readers cannot hear your tone of voice so it is best to avoid sarcasm or jokes. Also, be mindful of the fact that we all have different lived experiences and sometimes debate can be very personal and even painful for some of your classmates. For example, your class may likely include victims of racist slurs or other abuse or trauma so be careful and kind with your words.

And, finally, while we are still all figuring out the best way to communicate and teach and learn online, students and teachers alike, please be patient! It may take some time for other classmates and for your lecturers to address your concerns or questions.

Just a side note: Remember that discussion boards and all of your online correspondence is archived which means a permanent record is kept.

#6: Time-Management and Technology

Be on time! Try and get in the virtual classroom a few minutes before the class starts. Sign into to your Canvas account, Teams or Google account before the course starts and make sure it is accessible for you before the lecturer starts the session.

Understanding the technology, programmes, apps and services that will be used for online classes at UCC will make your life a lot easier when it comes to attending your lectures this semester. Make sure that you know how to use your own computer, phone or tablet before you go into the new semester but also familiarise yourself and get to know your way around the different programmes so that you can avoid issues when it comes to using the software. If you need help at any point, contact your department, the IT services or us here at the Skills Centre; we will help you figure things out.

#7: Dress Appropriately and Mind Your Manners

Be careful and mindful about what you wear when you attend an online video conference or learning session from home. We all like to wear comfortable clothing when we are at home but you never know what activities will be asked of you, for example, you may be asked to stand up, and you do not want to embarrass yourself.

Since most microphones are very sensitive, stay away from eating while you are in the call or video chat, try and not to click with your pen or type, or, if you do, make sure that you turn off your microphone and camera.

#8: Privacy, Copyrights and Cyberbullying

Swearing and rude language is never allowed at any UCC class or event. Also, all existing rules and UCC guidelines about not harassing people, making fun of fellow students or bullying them still apply in the virtual classroom;

See https://www.ucc.ie/en/academicgov/policies/se-policies/.

Similarly, do not use profanity in an email or discussion post. Try and always be respectful of your instructor and fellow students so do not write hurtful comments about anyone’s work or experience. If you ever come across a comment that is insulting, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate, make sure to get in touch with your professor and/or department to report the comment.

Regarding copyright, be sure to cite all sources and references and respect copyright and license agreements. If you need any help, check out our Cite-Seeing downloadable PDF or contact us at the Skills Centre if you have any questions.

And remember: Be mindful of what you share online: never share private or personal information. UCC has a policy on acceptable usage, it provides you with guidance as to sharing and recording in a learning and teaching environment LRU_COVID-2020v41.pdf (ucc.ie) So, be smart about what you share online and avoid sharing too much about your personal life with fellow students and instructors. For example, consider carefully whether you should share an anecdote from your personal life or if it is OK to share personal details with the rest of your class. Any information on the Internet is public once you have posted it. Once it is online, it may not be so easy to remove so do not do or say online what you would not do or say offline.

#9: Follow General Online Writing Tips

Avoid using all capital letters as using all caps often indicates yelling or anger. So please don’t write in all capitals because it may be read as if you are screaming at a classmate or as if you are angry at them. The same goes for exclamation marks, don’t overuse them, it will take away from your argument or the point that you are trying to make. Instead, you could emphasise a point by using italics, underline or bold features.

When in an online class setting, don’t use texting language like, for example, using the letter U for the word “you” or using other abbreviations or acronyms; this is not considered professional in an academic setting. Let us give you another example: when writing emails or composing discussion board entries, avoid abbreviations such as LOL, LMAO and, similarly, use emoticons sparingly. They can sometimes help portray emotions, but they are usually not ideal in an online lecture.

#10: Know Where to Find Help

Navigating a place you've never been to before or handling a situation that you have never encounter before can be a challenge and we understand that, especially this year, it may be hard for you to tackle all the new experiences in the UCC virtual or blended learning environment. The good news is: there is loads of help online and offline to help you master this semester with grace and effortlessly make it through the next few weeks! So if you ever feel stuck or unsure or if you have issues with any of your devices, class tools, any technology, content or new ways of learning, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You may want to get touch with your lecturer, your School, your department, other services like the IT desk or us here at the Skills Centre. We are here to help you unlock and reach your full potential and enable you to enjoy your experience here at UCC.

Helpful Links