Netiquette

Virtual Classroom/ Meeting Netiquette

All University classroom policies will apply to virtual classes and virtual meetings. When participating in a virtual class or virtual meeting please adhere to the following "netiquette" virtual etiquette guidelines:

• Do not share the URL and/or password of the class meeting unless you have permission from the host.
• Find a quiet, private place to attend the meeting. If possible, avoid highly "personal" places such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or lounging on the couch. A desk or table is ideal and can help you retain your focus in the session.
• Be "camera ready" or presentable, wearing regular classroom attire. All meeting attendees are expected to keep their camera on during asynchronous classes. If you need to temporarily turn your camera off or leave the setting, please inform your instructor. If you are unable or unwilling to be on camera, you may be removed from the class or the meeting unless you have received permission to have your camera off from the meeting host.
• No eating, smoking, or adult beverages are permitted in the virtual classroom. If you need to eat or drink, please note in the chat and turn off your microphone and camera until you are finished eating and drinking.
• Avoid potentially offensive backgrounds (real or virtual).
• Treat your classmates, instructors and Teaching Assistants with respect.
• Limit video distractions such as children, pets, or excessive noise.
• Use proper grammar and spelling when using the chat. Avoid "text talk."
• Adhere to all Course Netiquette Rules and university conduct guidelines. In nursing courses, netiquette is essential for maintaining respectful and professional online learning environment. Here are some key rules to follow:
  • Use clear and concise language: Avoid acronyms, emoticons, and slang terms.
  • Proofread your communication: Ensure correct grammar and spelling.
  • Be sensitive to diversity: Respect the diverse nature of people in your courses.
  • Maintain constructive feedback: Comment on other students' work in a constructive manner.
  • Use descriptive subject lines: Summarize the message in your subject line.
  • Protect privacy: Use the BCC field when sending emails to a whole list of people.
  • Be mindful of copyright law: Properly cite all source materials to avoid plagiarism.
  • Keep personal information private: Do not share your password or confidential personal/patient information via email or forums.

These guidelines help create a positive and productive virtual learning environment, ensuring that all students can learn effectively and respectfully.

10 Netiquette Tips For Online Discussions - eLearning Industry  

Preparing for a Virtual Classroom Session

The following tips will help you prepare for a virtual classroom session:

• Test all technology, including the web cam, internet and Wi-Fi connection, audio (headset, microphone, and/or speakers), and (if applicable) screen sharing before the meeting.
• Protect sensitive information. If you are sharing your screen, make sure that only intended content is seen. Prior to hosting or attending a meeting, close all unnecessary tabs and apps, clear the browser to avoid potentially embarrassing auto-complete results, and ensure that nothing personal or sensitive is on the desktop.
• Open any material that will be shared, including audio, video, documents or websites, prior to the meeting. This will ensure that they are working, and help the meeting flow smoothly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
• Log into the meeting a few minutes early so that any technical issues can be addressed and resolved.
• Be mindful of and check your background and lighting.
• Ensure that there is nothing personal, potentially embarrassing or offensive in the video background. Use of a virtual background (if permitted) can help masquerade unsightly backgrounds.
• Check the lighting on the video. Avoid sitting with your back against a window, as well as, too little or too much direct light.
• Position your camera to show your face, avoid directing it too high or too low.
• Mute your audio if you are not speaking and be mindful of background noise when you unmute to speak. Excessive background noise is distracting and disruptive to the class. Do not type while your microphone is unmuted, as it is loud and distracting. Look at the camera when you are speaking.

Tips for Success

1. Stay seated and present during the virtual class. Pay attention and participate.
2. Be ready for interaction. As with the physical classroom, be prepared to discuss course material and assignments, interact with your instructor and classmates, and ask questions.
3. Do not interrupt other people when they are speaking or attempt to speak over them.
4. Prepare for class by reading materials prior to the session and formulating your questions.
5. Turn off all notifications and ensure your cell phone is turned off or on silent.
6. Avoid multi-tasking during the class session. Do not work on other tasks, such as checking your Email, texting, gaming or working on other classwork. Give the class your full attention and focus.
7. By attending a virtual class session, you are agreeing to adhere to the guidelines established above. The goal of these guidelines is to create the most supportive, inclusive, and productive learning environment possible for everyone.

See also: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/