General course netiquette guidelines
Basic Rules of Netiquette or Internet Etiquette.
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Course materials should only be used by students enrolled in this course. As a student in
this course, you may not publish, post on an Internet site, sell, or otherwise distribute any
of this work without the instructor’s express permission. Unauthorized or commercial use
of these materials is strictly prohibited. Online sharing of course material with people
outside of the course may lead to a charge of misconduct under York’s Code of Student
Rights and Responsibilities and the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty.

Confidentiality. We want to create an atmosphere for open, honest exchange. We will
keep private any confidential information that comes up during this course.

Don’t spam. Please don’t take advantage of your connection with the other students in
your online classroom to forward emails and links regarding your political/spiritual
beliefs or to sell your services.
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Respect others’ privacy. Don’t give out another student’s personal email address
without permission.

Remember, if it’s on the internet, it’s everywhere. Don’t share personal information
about yourself in a public online forum, especially something that could put your safety
or security at risk.

Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We acknowledge differences
amongst us in backgrounds, skills, interests, and values. We realize that it is these very
differences that will increase our awareness and understanding through this process.

We will not demean, devalue, or “put down” people for their experiences, lack of
experiences, or difference in interpretation of those experiences.

Challenge the idea and not the person. If we wish to challenge something that has
been said, we will challenge the idea or the practice referred to, not the individual sharing
this idea or practice.

Speak your discomfort. If something is bothering you, please share this with the group.

Step Up and Step Back. Look for opportunities both to step forward and offer
something to the discussion and to step back and make space for others.

NO YELLING. There’s a time and a place for everything—BUT IN MOST
SITUATIONS TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS INAPPROPRIATE. Most readers tend to
perceive it as shouting and will have a hard time taking what you say seriously, no matter
how intelligent your response may be.

Review what you wrote and try to interpret it objectively. When we speak face to face
and are misunderstood, we have an on-the-spot opportunity to rephrase our words. In
writing, we must strive twice as hard to be understood, as we do not have the benefit of
modifying or elaborating in real time. All caps (“I’M SHOUTING”) and exclamation
points (“Give me a break!!!”) can be misinterpreted as intense anger or humor without
the appropriate context.

Sarcasm can backfire Sarcasm has been the source of plenty of misguided arguments
online, as it can be incredibly difficult to understand the commenter’s intent. What may
seem like an obvious joke to you could come across as off-putting or rude to those who
don’t know you personally. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an
online classroom. Instead, lean toward being polite and direct in the way you
communicate to avoid these issues.

If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online. When you’re working online,
you’re safe behind a screen, but that’s no excuse to be ill-mannered or say things you
would never say in public.

Don’t use emoticons. While basic emoticons can be crystal clear, some of them are
confusing and used differently according our personal background. Thus, it is better to
write: “I feel confused about”, “I am exhausted”.

Don’t abuse the chat box. Chat boxes are incorporated into many online classes as a
place for students to share ideas and ask questions related to the lesson. It can be a helpful
resource or a major distraction—it all depends on how well students know their
classroom netiquette. The class chat box isn’t an instant messenger like you’d use with
friends. Treat it like the learning tool it’s meant to be, and try not to distract your
classmates with off-topic discussions. Don't post irrelevant links, comments, thoughts or
pictures.