# Netiquette

Netiquette: Etiquette for Communicating Online

etiquette n. forms of proper or polite behavior in society; good manners

net n. an abbreviation for internet

netiquette n. proper or polite behavior on the internet

How we communicate with each other is very important in an online course. In order to maintain a positive online environment, we all need to follow the netiquette guidelines summarized below.

All participants are expected to:

- Show respect for the instructor and classmates
- Respect the privacy of others
- Express differences of opinion in a polite and rational way
- Maintain an environment of constructive criticism when commenting on the work of others
- Avoid bringing up irrelevant topics when involved in group discussions or other collaborative activities
- Use mainly lowercase letters in writing messages with proper capitalization rules followed. Use of all uppercase in a message is the equivalent of SHOUTING and is considered offensive.
- Use appropriate language in messages that are conversational and positive in nature and not threatening or offensive.