Netiquette+931+&+933+Spring+08

1. If at all possible, use names! Most of us like to be addressed by our names. The online environment can be very impersonal. Using a first name when addressing an individual or responding to an individual helps “remember the human” in the online environment. In the begining of the course, post introductions in order to open the doors to areas of common interest. 2. If seeking information, take the time to browse class resources and discussion lists to see if the information is available. Discussion areas can be overwhelmed with requests for information that is readily available with just a few clicks. This kind of “overload” makes it more difficult to separate repetitious requests from other dialog. 3. Remember that more than likely all 20 some participants are just like you, sitting in a safe room, and are trying to learn and do a good job. We are not individually a mountain of vast knowledge that will give insight to everyone based on our google research. Quite the contrary, the sum of us can create an impressive mountain of knowledge as big as we want, if we sincerely care for the individual behind the words. John R. Kleven, Eau Claire, WI

4. Agree that we will disagree. And when we do, don't become defensive when others don't share your viewpoint. Make your point, give your reasons for your stance, and realize that others won't always agree. And when they don't, realize it isn't personal, just their viewpoint. Listen to their side of the issue. John/Whitewater, WI Accept and embrace that others don't share your perspective. (I didn't write this one, but I agree wholeheartedly in principle. David / Shanghai)

5. Please try to respond to comments that were made to your postings and try to answer any questions that were directed towards your postings. Let online classmates and colleagues know if you think they’ve offered a valuable insight or contribution to the class. Unlike the face-to-face environment, that kind of feedback is impossible to deliver via a nod, smile, or verbal thanks. It may take a little more effort, but the feedback is likely appreciated and the online learning environment made richer.</

6. Have some fun - share fun insights and things that may "lighten" the load of our usually heavy conversations!

7. Remember the golden rule "Would I say this to the person's face?" Be kind and encourage.

8. Avoid writing messages in all caps as IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR SHOUTING! Chrissey/FL

9. Be respectful and don't participate in flame wars. Chrissey/FL

10. Remember that the readers cannot view your body language or hear your tone of voice. Keep the posts as direct as possible and use emoticons when appropriate to help in interpretation.

11. Remember that we don't all share the same history, occupation, or technical expertise,any of which may greatly impact our perspective.

12. We all have different expertices, all come from or teach in different levels of education. 13. Be willing to share your experiences no matter how trivial they may seem. We can all learn from each others experiences. 14. Think before you type. John R. Kleven, Eau Claire, WI 15. Be respectful of eachothers time. Marsha, WI 16. Keep discussion entries useful and to the point. Marsha, WI 17. Respect our privacy. Please don't spam us or share our e-mails without permission. Kathy, in Illinois 18. Spell check, grammar check, preview, add white space. Concrete and concise language. Pat, Chicago 19. Avoid 'big " words when "small" will do, i.e stop instead of cessation. Avoid long and compound sentences. Pat, Chicago 20. Bullets and outline to clarify a thought or procedure.Pat Chicago 21. Share knowledge even if it means doing some research to find the idea you wish to share. This may be more accurately called" Netigette in an online community" Pat Chicago 22 If you are responding to others ina long thres, resate the topic or issues. Pat, Chicago 23. It is important to cite all references used in postings. Bonnie @ Crystal Lake 24. Try to limit a post to one topic at a time. Bonnie @ Crystal Lake 25. Postings made from one of our classmates should not be shared outside this discussion group without permission. Bonnie @ Crystal Lake 26. Use subject headings that are telling of the content of your online entry. Jodell, MN 27. Be open-minded and willing to take criticism. Chris, Mound, MN 28. Try not to attach files that are too big. Chris, Mound,MN 29. Communicate with the idea that everything that you say could be saved in the virtual catacombs for a long time. What you say could come back to bite you in the bu**. John R. Kleven Eau Claire, WI 30. Keep postings clean and concise. Try to not ramble on about a topic and keep like thoughts together in a paragraph. Also, your submission should be flow and be easy on the reader to flow from one thought to the next. - Brandon Flitter, Menomonie, WI 31. Be open to listening to what others have to say. Try something new. - Ellie, STL 32. Help out newcomers to technology. Everyone has been there; pass on your knowledge to others. - Ellie, STL 33. Don't always be so serious! Just as a good laugh enlivens discussion in a face-to-face class, humor energizes the interaction in an online learning community. -Ellie, STL