by Stefany Smith

Created on: January 17, 2009

Speaking in an online classroom is much different than a casual online forum. Now that you have decided to pursue your degree through a distance learning program, it is imperative that you know the difference. Your classmates and instructors cannot see your facial expression, or your body language. Your words must speak for all of your thought.

Your virtual classroom is just that: a classroom. If you wouldn't speak in acronyms in a face to face conversation, don't use internet shorthand in your classroom discussions. Likewise, if you wouldn't yell at your classmates, don't type in all caps. Also, live by the golden rule. If you desire to be treated with respect and dignity, then that is how you should treat your classmates, instructors, and advisors. Expect diversity, some of your classmates could be returning to school for the first time in thirty years, others will be fresh out of high school. Last, but not least, follow the rules. Your institution will have a student hand book, with a section designated to their online campuses, read it often.

TTYL, BRB, BTWusing this shorthand is helpful in chat rooms and texting, but they have no place in a virtual classroom. Your instructors expect to be communicating with college level learners; you need to write like it. Once you have built a report, and have begun emailing your classmates and instructors, using a bit of internet shorthand may be acceptable. However, when you are discussing your assignments, working on projects, posting responses to classroom discussions, or writing term papers, it is vital that you write it out. Your words are your only means of communication.

IT HURTS THE EYES, as much as the ears. Yelling has no place in a physical classroom, just the same as caps have no place in a virtual classroom. Remember, you are not speaking to strangers in a chat room; you are speaking to peers in a classroom. If you must emphasis a word or phrase, there are some alternatives. Italics, is a globally accepted form of written emphasis; [brackets] are understood to be an insertion of personal thought amidst a quote; "quotation marks" symbolize the use of someone else's words; and ((double parenthesis)) show expression, such as ((smile)), ((chuckle)), ((lol)), yes that was shorthand, in the double parenthesis it is acceptable.

You are pursuing your degree through a distance learning program for a reason, so are your classmates. Your reasons may differ; however, the reasons are still there. Expect diversity and embrace

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