Issues in Using the Internet in Instruction:

Course "Netiquette" Guidelines

Science, engineering, technology.
All worthless unless they make you feel something.
--BMW ad, Nov. 1998, Brill's Content, p. 16.

Learning is more likely to occur in an environment in which all participants respect one another and the material and skills they are striving to acquire. Learning is a passionate activity, however, and students will likely experience moments of anger, excitement, boredom or fear which may tempt them toward less than respectful behaviors. Following are suggestions for behavior that, if followed by all, including the teacher, can encourage a scholarly, respectful, and satisfying exchange of ideas throughout the semester.

Learning is a process that takes place over time. Help to make the journey for your fellow travelers and for yourself enjoyable.

In classroom discussions:

Avoid

• "killer" statements-- those that derogate, insult, or otherwise indicate disrespect for the person or a group of persons. Would you want it said about yourself?
• breaking confidences-- a participant may be willing to reveal something in the course discussion but not want it conveyed further. It may seem innocuous to you but be very important to them. If sharing course comments with others not in the class, obscure the source.

Achieve

• thoughtfully analytical statements. Analytical statements are those that address ideas (not people) and reveal areas of confusion or ideas needing clarification.
• use of "I" statements. When expressing a position, it is your own. Say "I feel" or "I think."
• respect the efforts of colleagues to contribute to discussion. Everyone is learning.
• participation at a level close to the norms for others in the course. Learning takes place in a community. Consistently not participating disrupts others' experiences and makes it more difficult for you to participate later.

Understood (Class norms)

• The person has the right to not comment if discussion material is painful or embarassing.
• It is okay to feel uncomfortable -- learning begins by acknowledging discomfort and preparing yourself to move beyond that discomfort.
• Talk to the teacher if you are experiencing distress. Be patient with yourself and the teacher as it can take awhile to clarify sources of distress. Both parties must work at it.

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