College Nettiquette
By: Andrew Bleak
Today, only few are blessed with the opportunity to sit down in a classroom and study in a university. The most an average person gets is a high school diploma. Time, finances, and other problems
Today, only few are blessed with the opportunity to sit down in a classroom and study in a university. The most an average person gets is a high school diploma. Time, finances, and other problems hinder most from enjoying the full benefit of higher learning. But fortunately, when it is most needed, the internet came through for those who crave education. That's right, college courses can now be taken via the internet through online classes. Language, *business, and marketing* are some of the common courses taught online. Although college online courses has been around for quite some time, there are still online students who act like they are in a rowdy frat party. Understandably, the internet is one space where barriers are broken. But this is not an excuse to be impolite, rude, and insensitive to other people. The internet should be a space for fostering mutual respect between different persons. This is one of the goals of college online courses. The schools operating these online classrooms are trying to emulate the atmosphere of real universities but there are those who insist in being Neanderthals. Do not waste the opportunities provided by online education. Take advantage of the comfort and knowledge these online courses seek to impart by following simple rules of online college etiquette. If you have been a victim of these insensitive jerks, don't retaliate. Instead, be someone who leads by example. Who says great leaders come out of universities? There might be one out of an online college course. As in real classrooms, online college courses also feature discussions between the students and the moderator or instructor. It is important to join and be updated about the current lessons so log in every class schedule. It's not your classmates' obligation to keep you posted. Arguments escalate quickly in these discussions since everybody can have their say simultaneously. But before typing in responses and arguments, it is best to take a moment to collect and organize thoughts. Objective arguments are often more valid and sound than those random comments driven by the heat of the discussion. Your arguments cannot be easily refuted if they are constructed well. Discussion boards are also not the place to use shortcuts in language. There may be people enrolled who are not well-versed in internet expressions. It is essential for students to use good and effective communication skills. Effective communication means brevity. Be concise in your comments and make every word count. People will lose interest in reading posts that are too long. It is also important to make your views within the context of the current topic. Indicate in your subject lines the main point of your comment or argument. This promotes continuity of the discussion. When you speak to somebody, you consider his facial expression and body language. Since these are impossible to determine in discussion boards, emoticons and typing style are the usual indicators of emotions. However, avoid the use of too much emoticons. These are distracting and consume space best used for expressing your thoughts. Your word choice is more effective in conveying your emotions. Also, avoid typing in responses in capital letters. All caps make it seem that you are shouting, which is most impolite. Your are entitled to your own opinion about the topic but this is not an excuse to put down others. When making a contradictory remark, express it in a manner that will not embarrass your classmate. Even online college courses are not exempt from paper work and assignments. Be familiar with the objectives and course structure. Moderators and instructors usually send course syllabus and requirements at the start of the term. Read and clarify everything with your instructor before the start of the *internet class*. The instructor may not have time to answer trivial queries which should have asked before the class started. Take note of the minimum standards and strive to achieve and surpass these. An "A" is still an "A" even outside the university. Read required books and review for exams. Punctuality is still a major requirement in online classes so make it a point to submit requirements on time. The internet is an inconstant thing. It may come through for you during research but flake out during crucial times like emailing your assignment and exams. To prevent this and avoid using the internet-lost-your-homework excuse, CC your documents to yourself. If you received your copy, there is no reason your instructor would not. But as a precaution, do not delete anything even in your sent folders until the course is finished. Online college courses can be fun if you take the initiative to do well. For more valuable information on college course online, computer course, please visit http://www.coursenotes.com
PAACO requests your support for our Students...
|
..............................................
Learn More About PAACO
Get Our Newsletter!
Privacy Policy
|
