"Netiquette" is network etiquette, or the “do's and don'ts” of online communication. Netiquette goes beyond Email Etiquette, and covers both common courtesy online and the informal "rules of the road" of the virtual world.
The online work environment can certainly be a struggle, and there are many challenges we face that are often out of our control, like internet troubles, personal or family responsibilities, distractions in the background (from pets and humans!) or our mental health.
However, there are a lot of things we CAN control to the best of our abilities, like how we present ourselves in online meetings or in the virtual classroom. You may not realize this, but faculty, staff, other students, or those who you are in meetings with do take notice, so it’s important to remind ourselves of the “Netiquette” rules that are applied to online spaces.
Below are a few helpful resources regarding Netiquette, for inside and outside the classroom.
10 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know. Some highlights:
Attempt to find your own answer: If you’re confused or stuck on an assignment, your first instinct may be to immediately email someone for the answer. But before you do, take the time to try to figure it out on your own.
Be kind and professional: “At the core, all of these mistakes come down to forgetting that an online classroom is still a classroom,” Lynch says. “Good netiquette means conducting yourself in an online class with the same respect, politeness and professionalism that you would exhibit in a real-life classroom.”
Helping Students Develop Proper Internet Etiquette - written by someone who has taught college courses for over 25 years. Some highlights:
If you are frustrated and finding the course material difficult, please reach out to the professor, use the tutor resources, etc.
You should communicate with your professor in the same way that you would speak to your boss or a potential employer. Also, any email you send your professor should always include your name and which class you are in.
5 Ground Rules for Online Classroom Discussion - written for faculty but very fitting for students! Some highlights:
Respect Diversity...Treat every person with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Online Etiquette for Your Professional Development
The Ultimate Guide to Remote Meetings in 2020 - a good read for those in student clubs/organizations, who attend staff meetings for their job/internship, or who participate in group projects for class. Some highlights:
Don’t stare at your phone while other people are presenting (teachers and other students can usually tell you are on your phone by the expression on your face)
Don’t work on other tasks (like checking email) during the virtual meeting.
When in doubt, just practice common courtesy. People want to be heard, seen, and respected during an online meeting—just like they do everywhere else.
How to Ace an Online Job Interview - perfect for those who are interviewing for jobs, research positions, scholarships, internships, etc. Also a lot of great tips for those who may have to give presentations for an online class. Some highlights:
Recruiters understand the limitations of home-based interviews. “Don’t beat yourself up” if your child wanders by looking for a snack or the dog bursts in, she said. The interviewer is sitting at home “dealing with the same things.”
Practice Your Answers and Your Presence
The coronavirus pandemic and recent events related to social and racial injustice have become the primary focus of the world at this time and many are struggling with the uncertainty these issues pose. This makes it very difficult to succeed and focus in an online environment. Be sure to take advantage of the resources offered by the UMD Counseling Center if you find yourself needing professional guidance.