Teaching Reading and Writing Online


 

Effective Online Communications


 

 

Good manners and a positive tone online

 - known as “netiquette” -

are essential to help build a supportive learning community



Show that you value

spelling and

grammar.



♥Use a greeting and a sign off e.g. “Hello everyone”, “Morning all”, “Cheers”, “Till next”, “All the best with...”

♥Acknowledge what participants have contributed

♥Thank a contributor for a suggestion or tip

♥Refer back to and link ideas in participants’ messages (i.e. being inclusive)

♥“Sound” positive and encouraging, (avoid being cynical, sarcastic or negative)

♥Make requests or suggestions politely rather than giving orders


 

♥Refer back to and link ideas in participants’ messages (i.e. being inclusive, like making sure no one is left out at a party)

♥“Sound” positive and encouraging, (avoid being cynical, sarcastic or negative)

♥Make requests or suggestions politely rather than giving orders

♥Give gentle reminders

♥Avoid using ALL UPPER CASE (the equivalent of shouting online) and copious exclamation or question marks e.g. ????????????, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

♥Weave in current events of interest, but remember not everybody lives for the rugby.



What do you do when someone communicates in an inappropriate way? 

 

Take up the matter with them individually by email.

 



As my wonderful friend Sara would say:

Say what you mean

Mean what you say

But don't say it mean

 

Material for this book adapted from:

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Facilitating_Online

(follow the link for more information on communicating online)