ONLINE NETIQUETTES

As we enter into the new normal in education where the use of the internet, online
classes, online submission of requirements will also be a new normal, it is important
that we become aware of the digital do’s and don’ts. Just like how we are always
reminded of etiquettes and ethics during our face-to-face or residential classes, we
have also to bear in mind different etiquettes while we are online. Thus, we need to
know about different ONLINE NETIQUETTES.

What are netiquettes?

The word “netiquette” is a combination of the terms net and etiquette which refers to
the set of informal and unwritten guidelines and set of rules for acceptable online
behavior. Miller (2001) defines it as a blend of common sense, common courtesy
and dictates of the computer technology and culture established by internet users
These are adaptations of real-life etiquettes and norms of behavior that we practice
offline.

In the In the mid-1990s, the term netiquette was coined to describe protocols and
guidelines for proper behavior when using e-mail, Internet chat rooms, and
electronic bulletin boards, such as our Forums.

Why are Online netiquettes important?

“What you are online will define what you are offline.” Online behavior and our
practice of ethics in the internet reflects how we deal with people. This is why we
have to be extra careful with how we respond, interact and use the web. Etiquette
online is not just nice to have, it is necessary (Preece, 2004).

Knowing about online netiquettes is more than just conforming to the appropriate
behavior that we have to be in the virtual world. Knowing about netiquettes will help
us:
• Keep conversation threads focused
• Keep overall discussion on track
• Resist you from mocking others
• Learn to respect other

Let’s keep going. Now that we learn what netiquettes and what are they for, we’ll get
to learn more about what are these guidelines and set of rules that we have to bear
in mind. Let’s start with these important general and common internet etiquettes.

1. Never give any personal information.

Things like your address, phone number, Social Security Number, or credit card can
be used to steal your identity and/or your money. This also means don’t give your
password to anyone. Passwords are intended to protect you, if you tell someone
what it is, you’ve lost that protection.
2. Be responsible with what you post.
We have to be extra careful with our postings especially photos and videos. Think of
the consequences of posting such in your social media accounts. Although different
social media platforms have developed mechanisms in filtering materials for posted,
the responsibility should always start from you. Remember that what you post online
stays there forever.

3. Spell and grammar check and proof read messages.

It seems simple but it’s something that’s often ignored. This can make a big impact
on other peoples impression of you.

4. Do not write in capital letters.

In writing, using capital letters is considered YELLING or SCREAMING. Although all
capitals are sometimes used to emphasize and highlight a point, but capitalizing all
the letters in a sentence may mean differently in text and online conversation. As
much as possible, use sentence case in your conversations.

5. Ignore pop-up windows and make sure to shop secure websites.

If one pops up, just close it. Never follow the links, pop ups can have viruses that can
lock up your device or steal your information. Be smart and close it.

NETIQUETTES WHEN COMMUNICATING ONLINE

When communicating online, you should always:

• Treat your instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other
communication.
• Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof., or if in doubt use Mr.
or Ms.
• Unless specifically invited, don’t refer to your instructor by first name.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Remember that all college level communication should have correct
spelling and grammar
• Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u”
instead of “you.”
• Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times new Roman and use a
size 10 or 12 pt. font
• Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETTED AS
YELLING.
• Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like 
• Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an
email or discussion post and 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.
 EMAIL NETIQUETTE
When you send an email to your instructors or classmates, you should:

• Use a descriptive subject line.

• Be brief and concise.
• Email communication is a formal correspondence. As much as possible,
avoid using slangs and emoticons especially if it’s for class requirements.
• Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.
• Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.
• Sign your message with your name and return e-mail address.
• Think before you send the e-mail to more than one person. Does everyone
really need to see your message?
• Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you
click, “reply all.”
• Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed
along before you click the “forward” button.
• Acknowledge emails and replies. This will help the sender to identify if you
have really received the mail or response.

MESSAGE BOARD NETIQUETTES

The following guidelines are useful in discussion boards and chatrooms of your
online classes. When posting on the Discussion Board in your online class, you
should:
• Make posts that are on topic and within the scope of the course material.
• Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before sending.
• Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.
• 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.” You should include why you
agree or add to the previous point.
• Always be respectful of others’ opinions even when they differ from your
own.
• When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing
opinion in a respectful, non-critical way.
• Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
• Be open-minded.
 VIDEO CONFERENCING NETIQUETTES
When involved in video conferencing, you should:

• Always test your device compatibility.

• Wear decent and presentable attire.
• Do not navigate on screen once the session starts. This will also help you
avoid accidental and unintentional screen sharing or other unnecessary
actions on screen.
• Be on time. Make sure to sign in or be admitted for your video conference
session minutes before it will commence.
• Mute audio when you are not the speaker or the one presenting. This will
help you avoid registering unnecessary noise especially background noise.
• Practice decency if your videos are active. You may turn off the video if
you really have to do something important quickly.
• Make sure to rename your profile that you use. Familiarize how you can
rename with the platform that you are using. Make sure to follow format
instructed by your teacher.
• Avoid distractions.
• Speak only when recognized.
• Log out only at the end of the session.