Online Student Netiquette

As an online student there will be a number factors to consider in order to maintain a safe online
environment. Online etiquette is often referred to as “netiquette.” The following module will
detail important factors and tips to consider in order to maintain appropriate online etiquette
throughout your coursework at Brandman University.

Enclosed is a video that reviews some of the General Online Netiquette Expectations at
Brandman University, created by the Cii.

General Communication
1. No Yelling. In the online environment, when an individual types IN ALL CAPS, the reader may
perceive this communication as shouting or yelling. Please, refrain from utilizing all capitals. If you
have a visual deficit, there are other ways to adjust your settings in order to visually read the
material and maintain a positive classroom atmosphere.
2. Be cautious with the use of sarcasm or joking. In the online environment, nonverbal
behaviors do not exist. As a result, sarcasm can be misconstrued and difficult to interpret. It is
best to avoid sarcasm within the online classroom.
3. Utilize appropriate grammar and spell-check. It is important to use the tools that are
provided with Blackboard and always read, and re-read your communications to ensure clarity
and to correct any errors. When there are numerous errors within your communication, it will
become difficult to read, and distract from the intention of your communication. Additionally,
make sure not to adopt the role of grammar police. It is not your job to correct the mistakes that
your peers have made.
4. Be respectful and kind. In the online classroom, you will find that you “click” with certain
students, and others, not so much. These same dynamics occur in the face-to-face classroom
setting. As a result, recognize these differences, but do your best to be respectful within your
interactions and kind to all of your classmates. Be respectful with your comment, posts and
interactions-even if you disagree.
5. Always use your professors’ proper title. If you have questions re: your instructors title-ask
them.
6. Use Standard Fonts and Sizes. It is recommended to utilize Times New Roman and to use a size
12 or 14 point font.
Discussion Boards
1. Balance self-disclosure with privacy. Throughout many of your courses at Brandman, you
will be asked to share experiences or various stages of growth. Remember, you are able
to choose what you will or will not share. As a student, you are never pressured to share
information which makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. There will be opportunities
for self-disclosure, but always keep in mind-this is a classroom and not a therapy session.
2. Confidentiality. Students should try to keep information they read on Discussion Boards
confidential and should not share information about other students outside of a class. A
breach of this confidentiality could be considered a student code of conduct violation.
3. Check first. Before posting a question on the discussion board or emailing your instructor,
check to see if another classmates has posted the question.
4. Stay on topic. The discussion board is the main place for student interaction within the
online community. When completing your posts, you are able to add links, provide
research, etc. but make sure the information is relevant to the class and, in particular, the
topic of the discussion board.
5. Avoid abbreviations and slang terms. The classroom is a professional/educational working
environment. As such, you should avoid using abbreviations or slang terms you would use
in your personal life or within social media.
6. Always give credit when referencing someone else’s work. Make sure to comply with APA
standards and NEVER copy and paste the work from another author.
7. Recognize and respect diversity. One of the benefits to the online classroom is having the
ability to converse with individual from various locations. As a result, classmates may
come from a different cultural background and have varying beliefs-different from your
own. In the classroom, each student is to respect the differing beliefs of one another-
utilizing this opportunity to strengthen their knowledge base and ability to work with
others from varying life experiences.
8. Control your emotions. During the online experience, be mindful of your own internal
processes. If you find you are doing everything within your power to stay respectful, but
there is a classmate that continues to “press your buttons” recognize the need to utilize
your own coping responses instead of responding with emotion. If need be, reach out to
the instructor.
9. Tone down your language. As noted previously, in the online environment there is a lack
of nonverbal communication. It is essential to read, and re-read your posts prior to
submission. Avoid using strong words/language as this may create tension in the online
environment.
Emails
1. Treat your instructor(s) with respect. In your interaction with your instructor, it is
important to maintain respect. Make sure to address your instructor with their
appropriate title (for instance Dr. Smith). In addition, read your email to make sure you
are writing in a clear, concise and respectful manner.
2. Utilize your Brandman email account. Faculty are only permitted to respond to your
Brandman email address. This ensures that the faculty is communicating with the address
that was created by the University and protects your privacy.
3. Remind the instructor about the specific class you are taking with him/her. Most likely,
your instructor will be able to “place” you without this reminder, but often, your
instructor will be busy and a simple reminder is helpful (and appreciated). The reminder
will allow the instructor to navigate your concern more easily, and, as a result respond
create their response at a more rapid pace.

Adobe Connect Commented [GJ1]: I’m not sure if we want this here or
not? I copied this from my Adobe Connect document. If we
Arrive Early (If Possible) want to take this out, since it is in my Adobe Connect
If it is possible, it is a good idea to arrive early to your Adobe Connect session. This will allow for document that is fine OR we can remove it from the Adobe
additional time if there are any difficulties with technology and provide an opportunity to “settle in” Connect document OR keep it in both. I don’t care…just
wanted to add this note for consideration.
prior to the session starting for the evening. You will also have time to interact with other classmates
before class starts.

Mute Your Microphone When Not Speaking

It is essential to have your microphone on mute when you are not speaking. If your microphone is
unmuted, the class may hear additional background noises that are occurring within your setting,
causing for distraction and disruption.

Be Mindful of What you present on your Webcam

Just as in a face-to-face classroom environment, it is important to be mindful of the way you present
yourself in the Adobe Connect session. Be mindful of facial expressions, body language and your own
actions. The instructor and your classmates can view your behaviors and it is importance to work on
respecting the time we have together and one another.

Limit Distractions
In the synchronous classroom, more often than not, there is a certain amount of comfort afforded. Most
students attend class at home. As a result, it is essential to limit distractions. Let family members and
friends know that you are in class and should not be disturbed during our time together. Turn off all
other distractions in your environment (the TV, place your cell phone on vibrate, etc.) It is important to
be focused and to respect the classroom environment, as well as your classmates. Make sure you can
attend class in a room where you won’t be disturbed. Children, family members or friends should not be
a part of our classroom. It is essential to respect the privacy of your classmates, and to also protect your
family as some of the topics discussed within our courses could be detrimental if certain family
members were exposed to the material (i.e. A child possibly hearing about circumstances of child abuse
in the Child/Adolescent Psychology course).
Use the Hand Raise Emoticon
At times when a question is asked in the online environment, several students attempt to answer at
once. To limit this occurrence, utilize the hand raise emoticon. The instructor will see this emoticon and
call on students in the order that this action was chosen.

What do to if you are having a problem with some aspect of the course or a conflict with another
student or the instructor…

Contact your instructor and ask to schedule a time to speak with the instructor over the phone or via
Adobe Connect. In your request, explain your conflict in a factual manner. It is advised for this
conversation to occur via phone conference or Adobe Connect in order to address the conflict and come
to a resolution.