Netiquette
Effective written communication is an important part of online learning. In a face-to-face classroom, body language, verbal responses, and questions help the facilitator and participants communicate with each other. In an online environment, however, misunderstandings can easily occur when participants do not follow basic rules of netiquette (online etiquette). Therefore, please use the following guidelines when communicating in this course:
- Use a descriptive subject line in forum posts.
- Include your name in all e-mails because recipients cannot always tell who you are based on your e-mail address.
- Derogatory comments, ranting, and vulgar language are not acceptable in any form of communication in this course.
- Keep in mind that something you consider offensive may be unintentional.
- Any student who engages in inappropriate and disruptive communication may be dropped from the course, assigned a grade of “F,” and be ineligible for a tuition refund.
- If you are concerned about something that appears unacceptable, please inform your instructor.
- Do not use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in online communication, as doing so indicates you are yelling. Limited use of capitalized words is acceptable when you need to emphasize a point.
- You may use appropriate emoticons/emojis in the forums, chats, and messages.
Student Code of Conduct (https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/Students/Code-of-Conduct)
The student code of conduct (“code”) maintains the integrity of the college mission and promotes a safe learning environment. Unwillingness or inability of a student to abide by the code may result in disciplinary actions.
The College expects a culture of respect free from harassment and bullying and similar behaviors, whether verbal or physical. Students shall:
- Be responsible college citizens, respecting the dignity, rights and freedoms of others, individual
differences, and diversity.
- Practice academic honesty. Students shall not cheat, plagiarize, or steal examinations or course material.
- Not obstruct or disrupt teaching or authorized college activities and functions on college premises or at college-sponsored events, or in the community.
- Not make unauthorized entry to or use of college facilities or block access to or egress from such areas.
- Not participate in physical or verbal abuse or behave in a manner that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person on college premises or at college- sponsored functions. Students shall not participate in sexual or other harassment of any member of the college community, or display conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or obscene.
- Respect the property of others. Students shall not steal or damage college property or that of a member of the College community or a visitor to the College.
- Use college supplies, equipment, and funds only as authorized by College employees.
- Not use, possess, or distribute alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, dangerous
chemicals, substances, instruments, or other weapons or items that can be used to inflict bodily harm or material damage on college premises or at college-sponsored functions. Exception: prior written approval may be requested by the College for in-class display or demonstration; see “Marijuana, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances” in the KCC Student Handbook.
- Comply with directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties, including requests to provide identification. Students shall not violate college policies or regulations, nor any local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
- Refrain from use of tobacco and related products on college premises or at college-sponsored events other than as permitted in designated areas. See “Smoking and Tobacco” in the KCC Student Handbook.
- Not have cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices on audible response while in classrooms, the Learning Resource Center, or other learning environments.
- Not knowingly give false information to the College, or forge, alter, or misuse college documents, records, or identification.
Top 5 Strategies for Student Success in Online Classes
- from Nicole Mace, KCC online instructor
1. Connect Once a Day.
Here’s why: Your online course is a live learning environment. Stay connected with your instructor, classmates, and course due dates by checking your Canvas inbox, class announcements, and weekly modules once a day.
Pro tips: 1) Download the free Canvas app on your phone. 2) Set your notification preferences so you never miss a message, a due date change, or a class announcement.
2. Go to Modules to Learn, not the Calendar.
Here’s why: The Calendar (or upcoming assignments section) will only show you when an assignment is due, not when it was assigned. Your instructor may have given you two or three weeks to work on an assignment, but you’d never know if you are only looking at the calendar. Not to mention all the learning activities and resources you’d miss too.
Pro tip: Repeat after me… ”Mastery is in the Modules.”
3. Ask for Help, Clarification, More Resources, or Feedback.
Here’s why: You have online instructors for a reason. They want to help, guide and support you. Message them to ask for clarification, a different resource if you are not understanding, or to get feedback on an assignment. The one factor you must remember is to allow the instructor time to respond.
Pro tips: 1) Work on your assignments at least three days before they are due. That way if you do have a question for the instructor, you’ve allowed enough time to get a response before the assignment is due. 2) Block out time in the week to work on assignments and set yourself up for success.
4. Actively Participate.
Here’s why: Students who actively participate in online courses get better grades. It’s just like a face-to-face course. Students who review the material, apply what they have learned, communicate with their instructors, and discuss concepts with their peers will get the most out of the course. Plus, your classmates need you… they need your opinions, your thoughts, and your questions. We grow best by learning from each other.
Pro tip: In Canvas, find Account on the left-side navigation. Then click "Notifications." Scroll down to the "Discussion" section. Set your preference to notify daily (clock icon) on "discussion posts" so that you can continue your conversation when a peer has responded to you.
5. Believe in Yourself. We do!
Here’s Why: If taking online courses is something new to you, it may seem a bit overwhelming. How will you know what exactly to do? What if you have a question? How will you turn in your work? Please know that we, your instructors, completely understand this feeling. We are in this together and we know you can do this.
Pro tip: Message or call your instructor. They are real people, who care and believe in you.