With the rising use of technology in the classroom, which has now turned into an online class, it is necessary to understand Netiquette, a combination of “internet” and “etiquette.” It is thus essential to note that Netiquette refers to rules of behaviour and interaction in computer-based networks.
It is crucial to encourage Netiquette in online classes to ensure the students’ civilized behaviour in the learning environment. This article discusses how to promote proper Netiquette among students and minimize any chance of improper Internet conduct by learners.
The Importance of Netiquette in Online Classrooms
The first strategic approach is to comprehend the importance of Netiquette in online courses and foster it properly. Netiquette is vital in establishing students’ positive attitudes towards fellow class members. This is because prompt and proper responses to a post and following the general rules of conduct that govern the interaction between users in the technological system remove conflicts of various kinds, speeding up the learning process and improving the quality of the interaction between group members.
Also, as students get jobs, understanding the professional communication expected in cyberspace becomes relevant. In our experience as educators, promoting Netiquette enables the learners to acquire appropriate modes of communication, which they apply when dealing with professors or other senior colleagues, employers, or even during college group discussions.
The present paper aims to define what should be expected of students regarding their conduct in an online course.
Netiquette can be easily enhanced by providing standards that individuals taking part on the Internet should not cross from the onset. The course enables educators to elaborate on appropriate netiquette policies that students are expected to adhere to at the start of the course.
Some of these may include information about how to interact with colleagues and clients, choice of words, and the right ways of proffering criticisms/feedback. Examples of clarifying these expectations may include some of both appropriate and inappropriate behaviours. When a student is well-informed on what is expected of him or her, s/he will avoid engaging in assignments of this nature when participating in online classrooms.
Incorporating Netiquette into Course Materials
Incorporating gross and acceptable behaviour while using computers in a course is another strategy for promoting Netiquette. Instructors should discuss an entire topic of Netiquette on the syllabus or course outline and link to it to offer further reading materials. Furthermore, it is possible to use discussions or activities concerning Netiquette during the course to emphasize its importance.
For example, educators can debate with students various hypothetical case studies on the undeniable rules of Netiquette so that students can critically think about how their ordeals on the Internet and/or social networks affect the experiences of others as well. This way, Netiquette is kept persistent throughout the course because the teacher is always ready to address it before the students have a chance to offend.
Modeling Appropriate Online Behavior
Professional educators are aware of the requirements for appropriate behaviour on the Internet and provide examples of such behaviour themselves. This is why instructors who are consistently polite in communication practices, effective listeners, and even when giving feedback will be imitated by those they are teaching.
This can be done in person during online classes, on message boards, or via email. By following the educators’ proper Netiquette in the virtual classroom, the students are being monitored to respect the same standards and uphold the values of a proper virtual learning environment.
Encouraging Open Communication and Feedback
On the other hand, discrimination, criticism, profanity, and flaming are detrimental to Netiquette as they hinder the creation of an environment that will encourage proper communication. Students should be able to freely offer their opinions and receive constructive criticism from fellow students and instructors.
Faculty members need to encourage this, as they will provide a context for the students’ discussions where they can share information. The use of appropriate tones in gras [correction: instance] contributes to students’ Netiquette and assists in building a positive learning environment.
The following are the ways by which technology can be used to support the promotion of Netiquette:
Even though Netiquettenetiquette has its limitations in the context of technology, it can be used to facilitate Netiquettenetiquette in online classes. Some general features can be postnatally helpful in the likelihood of negative messages exchanged on the Internet: moderation tools, chat prompts & feedback options. For instance, using features in a discussion board prepares students to either approve helpful comments or mark the ones that are unfit.
Also, some discussion systems in video communication tools may address issues, for example, by raising a hand for people who want to speak or chat to ask questions. As applied to education, technology ensures that classes are practical and professional.
Designing Activity-Based Lessons for Netiquette Promotion
Students can engage in engaging activities that will help remind them of good manners when using the Internet or Netiquette. Teachers can set plans that include role-play or case-study problems in which the participants have to deal with online communication and Netiquette.
For example, a lesson plan could involve the creation of a skit; for example, students are to imagine that they have been on the receiving end of a discourteous remark. Not only do these require a particular form of critical thinking, but they also equip the students with adequate materials for Netiquette in real-life scenarios. Another strategy to consider in the effective implementation of Netiquette is to include games or quizzes or any form of games in the class.
Evaluating Netiquette Through Assessments
It is also possible to incorporate various assessments that address Netiquette to enhance understanding and implementation in the online course. Educators could assign tasks to impart self-reflection on the students’ social network activity, explore scenarios of improper netiquette application, or develop one’s netiquette rules in class.
This reflection activity helps advance the notion of responsibility and reminds the students of general courtesy in interpersonal communication. Further, commenting on the students’ compliance with Netiquette may guide them on what they should or should not do to enhance their behaviour over the Net.
Addressing Conflicts and Misunderstandings
As much as people are encouraged and urged to practice appropriate behaviours in Computer-Mediated Communications (CMC), it is inevitable to avoid common clashes and confusion within an online class.
Educators should tackle these issues when they arise so they do not cause further organizational problems. Conflict resolution procedures can enable students to express themselves freely since they will know how to manage the conflict.
When entering conflict, the teacher should aim to reconcile the students so that they understand each other and reach the common goal of respecting each other while presenting their opinions. It is, therefore, important to establish ways for educators to show students that they are open to conflicts since this enhances the aspect of proper Netiquette in the learning process.
Explaining the Advantages of Netiquette for the Long-Term
To encourage students to be keen on Netiquette, the following reasons should be embraced as the long-term impact they will reap once they embrace Netiquette. Teachers may explain how adhering to Netiquette helps in today’s setting and future academic careers and occupations.
Good communication skills, especially on the Internet, are an asset employers seek in today’s generation in today’s generation. By providing examples of Netiquette in different situations, tutors can encourage students to follow and use these rules in the learning process and other conditions.
Conclusion: A Collective Effort to Promote Netiquette
Raising the issue of a netiquette essay in online classrooms is a communal venture that needs student and teacher support. Teachers can ensure that their students respect their fellow students and everyone they interact with within the community by setting certain behavioural expectations, emulating the expected behaviour, and encouraging feedback.
Therefore, carrying out various activities, assigning quizzes and other assignments, and utilizing technological tools contribute to promoting Netiquette among students. In conclusion, it stands right that in promoting Netiquette, every party involved stands to gain more, especially when it comes to online learning.