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 difference, respond politely and express your ideas with dignity. It is important to keep cultural rhetoric and emotional responses to a minimum. Chances are, if you give it a day, then return to the original thought, you will have a different take on the situation. So, taking your time to correct a classmate may save you some embarrassment later.
Everyone you are attending school with has busy lives just as you do. If you are having trouble, voice your concern right away, and then wait patiently for the reply. When I began my first class, I was all gung-ho to dive into discussion about our reading assignment. To my surprise, no one else seemed as gung-ho. Three days later, the board was filled with posts. I had a "duh moment". I then had a question on a written assignment. I allowed my life to be busy enough to distract me for a couple of days, then realized I only had 7 days left to complete the assignment. I emailed my instructor, then returned to my computer every three hours for the next two days. On the third day of this, I checked my email to find no response; I now only had 4 days to complete my assignment. I began emailing an urgent, "Help Please!" note to my instructor, when ((ding ding)) her response came in. She was very helpful in reminding me of her posted schedule, and telling me to ask my questions sooner to get a response in time to prepare a quality assignment. Another duh moment.
This will probably be the most helpful tip to take when trying to use proper netiquette in a distance learning program. Follow the rules provided to you by your institution. If your college is accredited, you will receive a student handbook. There may be a lot of rules for on campus students, but there should be a section designated to distance learning students as well. If your institution is anything like Ashford University, a digital form of the student netiquette guidelines is available in every virtual classroom. Read this document often. I am working on my 12th online class, and have read our guidelines at least 6 times. I want to be sure I am following the rules, you should too.
To sum it up:
Write in proper English, and with respect. Use your words effectively to express your entire thought. Expect and respect cultural diversity. Remember you are not the only one with a busy life. Become comfortable with your institutions guidelines. And finally, relax, be yourself, and enjoy your journey!