Course Expectations

Netiquette

Example below replace with your own:

Netiquette refers to the rules of behavior while on the Internet. When interacting within the online course environment, please follow these guidelines:

Show professionalism and courtesy in all communications within the course.
No one else should be given access to the course or conferences without the instructor's permission.
Do not use the words or text from others without acknowledging the source.
Humor can easily be misinterpreted within the online environment, please be cautious with the use of humor and use symbols to help prevent misunderstandings. :-) :-(
Adhere to the same behavioral standards as you would in a face to face classroom and as is specified in the student handbook.
Do not type in all capital letters, for those of us using the Internet frequently, this can seem like you are 'yelling'.
Respect other people's time and contribute thoughtful comments and ideas to the discussions rather than simply making statements such as 'I agree'. These will result in fewer points.
Use correct spelling and grammar. Avoid the use of abbreviations and use spell check within your word processor or within the course to check the spelling of your communications. We do not use texting shortcuts like LOL or OMG. Ever.

Disagreement within the classroom does not equal disrespect. You are encouraged to have different points of view, opinions and values. However, it is required that students monitor their language within discussions. Racist, sexist, or homophobic language will not be tolerated. Consult the Student handbook for college policies regarding these types of behavior.

Learn more about Netiquette Guidelines.

Self Management in an Online Class

Example below replace with your own:

As per college policies, students are expected to attend classes ("faculty member has the option of withdrawing a student who has accumulated unofficial absences in excess of the number of times a class meets per week"). Within the online environment, this may be difficult to determine at times. The expectation is that the student will login no less than once a week and will complete assignments in a timely manner (see late-assignment and attendance policy in the syllabus for further details).

Please contact me if you anticipate not being able to log in to the course for a full week during the semester. If I determine through the tracking data that a student has not logged in during the week, I will contact the student via e-mail and through a Mail message within the course prior to initiating a withdrawal.

A rule of thumb is that you need to be disciplined to set aside uninterrupted time to do your online class work. When you attend an in-person class on campus, you are not doing your laundry or watching television. The same rules apply to your online class. Do not wait until the last day that work is expected to be submitted in order to account for unexpected interferences (Internet is down, etc.)