Management of Online Courses
More Rules of Netiquette
Over time a set of rules (conventions) have emerged that make online communication more
pleasant and effective. Here are some of the more important ones:
Brief is Best.
Keep messages/files short and focus on a single idea/topic.
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When there are multiple ideas/topics to be discussed, use a separate message for
each.
Careful with Formatting
Don't use fancy formatting (e.g., tabs, tables, fonts) unless you are sure that all users can
read this (as in the case of WWW documents).
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On the other hand, make messages/files more readable by using spacing, subheads,
and lines. Similarly, don't include graphics, images or multimedia components
(audio/video clips) in messages or files unless you are fairly sure that the intended
audience can view them.
When including multimedia components in web documents, identify the format used
(e..g, mpeg, wav, etc) so people can determine what "plug-ins" (helper applications)
are needed to run them.
o If you are using a specialized plug-in, provide a source location (ideally via a
direct link) where people can obtain the plug-in.
Provide Structure
Take the time to create meaningful subject headings or descriptors for messages/files to
help people orient to the purpose/context of the information.
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Also, begin email messages with a summary, recap, or excerpt of an ongoing
discussion to provide context.
When people are reading dozens of messages or files, they need as much help as
possible deciphering them.
Manage Participation
Participation in a real-time conference (aka "chat") involves some special considerations.
More than anything, it requires a lot of patience;
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Think of an online chat as a group conversation in slow motion. Each person must be
allowed to finish their comment before someone else types something.
In a highly structured course, the moderator may require that participants request
permission to talk by sending a sign (e.g., typing a "!" or "?" for comment or question
the moderator plays a strong role in managing the discussion, or chaos will result.
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Management of Online Courses
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The moderator needs to ensure that the discussion stays focused and that
participants do not stray off on individual discussions or tangential topics.
Public domain
Think carefully about what you write.
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First of all, it is very easy for people to forward some or all of an email message/files
to others ... so always assume that anything you post could be made quite public.
(Use the telephone or fax for confidential conversations, not CMC!).
Post your course documents as PDF files.
Also your message may be read by a wide variety of people (particularly if it is
posted to a public forum on the internet/web), so be especially sensitive to any form
of cultural bias in what you say.
Be kind and gentle.
Avoid sarcasm and mean-spiritedness. And if you read something that upsets you, don't
flame; either ignore it, or wait a day and send a rational response. It is always best practice
to post your expectations on class decorum early within the course.
The online environment is a wonderful place for debate and discussion, but remember to be civil
and considerate.
David Georgina
MNSU Mankato
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