Etiquette

Department of Nursing and Healthcare Professions

Netiquette

The golden rule of netiquette in an online class or environment is do not do or say online what you would

not do or say offline.

Let's look at five important netiquette rules in an online course or education environment:

1. 1. Be friendly, positive, and self-reflective. When people cannot see you, and they do not know you,

feelings can be hurt if you are not careful in how you express yourself. The old saying, “think before

you speak” is important here. Think before you write. When reading a post, do so with an open mind.

Communication is so easily misunderstood when in person, and the risk is even greater in an online

environment. An application of this rule may be in your weekly discussion questions when you

may disagree with a colleague. Disagreement is a good thing. We are all individuals with differing

opinions. True learning comes from exposure to new ideas. However, sometimes when we

disagree, we are quick to give a critical and/or negative response. Rather, take time to

consider how you should frame your response. For example, you might say: “Sue, I would like to offer

a different perspective,” or “I respectfully disagree.” Intellectual debate is good, but we also need to

create a climate of respect, collegiality, and collaboration.

2. Use proper language and titles. Do not use slang or even profane words in an online environment,

even if they are words you consider "not so bad," as they will sound offensive to the reader. Please do

not refer to your professor by their first name or a nickname unless they say it is alright. Using all

capital letters when you post has been interpreted as yelling. “Yelling” could hurt someone's feelings

and possibly give him or her the wrong impression of you.

3. Use effective communication. This takes practice and thoughtful writing. Try to speak and write clearly

at all times. Again, reread before you click your response. Define and restate...