Factors To Consider When Developing Netiquette Guidelines for Online Learning Experiences

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in several modifications of course instruction as many faculty found themselves in an unfamiliar educational space of online and hybrid instruction. During this time, many faculty have learned how to leverage the virtual space to support the achievement of student learning outcomes. With this renewed sojourn into the virtual realm, “Netiquette” is again at the forefront. As a word combination of  “Etiquette” and “Internet,” Netiquette is the code of conduct and standards that govern online interactions and communication. It can be used as a foundation to support respectful and effective communication in educational and professional virtual spaces.

As we continue to focus on transformative learning experiences for our students, it is important to ensure that our online learning environments support civility and inclusivity. Netiquette guidelines help foster a healthy learning environment. Here are some factors you may want to consider when developing Netiquette guidelines for your students’ online and virtual learning experiences.

Type of Interaction

Effective netiquette guidelines consider the expected users’ interactions throughout the course. Instructions for the learner-to-learner and learner-to-faculty interactions should be explicit. The course should also include information on expected faculty to learner interactions and feedback timeframes. Online courses are virtual classrooms. As such, the interactions must be of a certain level and standard. Whether it’s learner-to-learner or learner and faculty communications, guidelines should exist that govern both the flow of the interaction and consider factors needed to promote learning equity.

Where The Interaction Takes Place

Online courses can include many different platforms that lend themselves to varying communication and learning styles. Whether it’s synchronous/asynchronous discussions, web-conferencing, blogs, online message boards, comments on video tools, or email conference calls (audio only), a netiquette policy needs to clearly state how content and information will be dissipated across all platforms and the most appropriate communication method for all.

Institutional and Program Policies/Procedures

Providing information about or links to code of conduct policies in your netiquette guidelines is essential. A good netiquette policy seamlessly intertwines the program’s and institution’s general policies and procedures. As a rule of thumb, respect must be maintained in all virtual exchanges. Guidelines that all stakeholders should follow include being mindful of tone, always being polite, and refraining from profanity and text slang. But most importantly, be kind. Though divided by a screen, the students must understand they are interacting with other humans.

Inclusivity

There is no one size that fits all for online learning. Learners come from all walks of life, and this needs to be remembered when creating netiquette guidelines. Online inclusive teaching considers the diversity of all students. Inclusivity in online learning requires a nuanced approach. Faculty should ensure the course is accessible to students despite their time zone, location, device, and internet connection quality. To foster inclusivity during communication, consider adding instructions in your netiquette guidelines for students to share their preferred pronouns.

Inclusivity also can be demonstrated by faculty through course design and role modeling. For example, ensure that all of your reading and teaching materials are in formats easily accessible to learners. Include diverse resources to guarantee varying perspectives of knowledge. Make an effort to know of any challenges your students may be facing that will affect their learning experience. Additionally, take the time to pronounce students’ names correctly, learn their preferred pronouns and set and maintain ground rules that foster a diverse learning environment.

Online and virtual learning opportunities in higher education will continue to expand as innovations in the virtual space continue. Ensuring a safe, civil, and inclusive online learning environment for students requires a multilayer approach. As faculty, we can do our part by creating and implementing a netiquette policy for courses in which students are expected to engage in learning, communication, and or collaborative activities in an online or virtual environment.

References

Association of College and University Educators (2022). Inclusive Teaching Practice Toolkit. 

Costello, C. (2021, July 23). Digital citizenship.

Choi, M., Cristol, D., & Gimbert, B. (2018). Teachers as digital citizens: The influence of individual backgrounds, internet use and psychological characteristics on teachers’ levels of digital citizenship. Computers and Education, 121, 143-161.

Gallagher, D. & Palmer, J. (2020, September 29). The pandemic pushed universities online. The change was long overdue. Harvard Business Review.

Li, C & Lalani, F. (2020, April 29). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how.