When working on virtual platforms, either as a student or as a teacher, it is important to follow a code of conduct known as Netiquette in online environments (Basic rules of conduct to work in online environments), since its application favors a friendlier context to ensure successful learning.
Below, you will find this code in detail, which will allow you to participate effectively in your courses.
In your profile
1. Check that your personal information is correct, if not, talk to the professor of thecourse.
2. Upload a passport size photograph where you face can be seen clearly. It is not allowed to use photographs of famous people orcartoons.
Correct format | Incorrect format |
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3. Manage your personal information confidentially; to do so, use the privacy options in theplatforms.
When writing
Avoid typing your message in all capital letters when using the platform tools (blogs, forums, emails, journals, chat and wikis) because in the virtual environment that is a synonym of SHOUTING.
- Do not insult your classmates or disqualify theirentries.
- Use symbols or emoticons moderately.
- Check your spelling.
- Do not use abbreviations, for example: because (cuz, b’cuz), you (U), for (4), before(b4).
- Do not change font colors. To highlight a word or phrase, use bold, italics or quotation marks. You should not use underlining since it can be misinterpreted as a weblink.
- Do not use rude or coarselanguage.
When attaching files
- When files are attached in a forum, a blog or an email, mention it in the message. In addition, it is recommended that the file have a common file extension; otherwise, guide your users to a site in which the appropriate program to open that file can bedownloaded.
- Do not share files containing pornographic, erotic material, advertisements or any other material that is not meant to contribute to the course.
When using the e-mail
- Be brief in your posts; always try to be concise in what you wantsay.
- Write a simple message; use bold, italics or quotation marks only to highlight an important element of themessage.
- Do not send messages with advertisements, jokes or any other content that is not part of the official course content, either individual ormassively.
- Make sure the subject of your message reflects the content in your message.
When using a forum
- Be brief; your participation must be concise and follow the tutor’s instructions. Your post must not be longer than half apage.
- Do not make fun of the comments posted by other members of the course within theforum.
- If you disagree with some comment, justify your answer by citing specialists in thesubject.
- Comments that are provided in the forum are just for academic matters; therefore, avoid transferring them to other tools such as blogs or social networks (Facebook, Hi5, Myspace, Twitter, Google + andothers).
- Participate in the corresponding forum according to thetopic.
- Read all interventions before participating. If you ask any question, make sure it has not been previously asked, as to avoid redundancy in the answers.
When contributing to a wiki
- Do not include whole articles taken from other sources on the site. You may only use extracts as long as the license of the article allowsit.
- Post articles of your authorship. If you use a direct quote, it is necessary to acknowledge thesource.
- Forward your questions to the question forum or the platform’s internal mail; do not post them in thewiki.
- Do not post content that does not relate to the purpose of thewiki.
- If you disagree with the input of a colleague, contact her/him to discuss the difference of opinion. To do this, use the internal or external email, group forum or any other communication tool of the platform in order to have evidence of the messages sent. In addition, some platforms allow for the possibility of making comments directly in thewiki.
When participating in synchronous conferences and chats
- A pedagogic conference is like a face-to-face tutorial; therefore, the same dress behavior code applies for both. Youshould:
- be punctual at chat rooms or video conferences. Log in at least 15 minutes before the time agreed by theprofessor.
- wear shirts or t-shirts in the case of men. In the case of women, avoid strapless blouses, as the professor may ask to use thecamera.
- avoid wearing caps, sunglasses or other objects that may make it difficult to recognize thespeaker.
- avoid offensive or coarse language when speaking or writing within thetool.
- in order to maintain order, speak when the tutor hands you thefloor.
- refrain from having people who do not belong to the course during the session, as this can causedistraction.
- make sureyouare in an area where there is nointerferencefor communication.
- when participating as a guest, access with your name and two last names; otherwise, you may be expelled by the coursemoderator.
- Enter the chat room or video conference ontime.
- When entering the room, send a shortgreeting.
- Participate when the tutor hands you the floor in order to maintain the order.
- If the messages to be sent are very long, send short texts and indicate that the message is not yet complete withellipsis.
- Limit your comments so others can participate aswell.
- If you absent yourself from the session temporarily, let the others know. When returning, you must also notify it through a shortmessage.
- When the session is over, announce you are leaving with a brief message.
Other Recommendations
Often check the news forum, question forum, e-mail or any other tool that facilitates communication, as professors could send important announcements, such as days or hours that the platform will be undergoing maintenance, links to the Student Rules and Regulations Manual and basic details of the course.
Este material ha sido elaborado por el Programa de Aprendizaje en Línea de la UNED, por lo tanto, se encuentra protegido por la Ley de Derechos de Autor y Conexos de Costa Rica, además de los convenios internaciones suscritos por la República de Costa Ricas. Derechos Reservados.