by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 29, 2012

Distance learning should be undertaken with the same amount of pride and seriousness as any real world learning. Sadly, our on-line world with it's instant friendships, instant messaging and text abbreviations have led to a generation of rather rude learners. Here are some tips for good distance learning netiquette.

Make your initial contact count

I've taken a variety of distance learning certificates and diplomas and I will tell you that you need to put your manners into practice and make your first contact with any school count. Doubtless it will be via email, and here it is important to properly utilize the title line; make sure your email reflects what you say you are emailing about, and don't use on-line abbreviations. Sign it with a suitable business signature such as yours sincerely, or yours truly, not c ya or ttyl. You wouldn't behave this way if you were faxing or sending a letter, don't do it with an on-line institution.

Read the distance schools FAQ's

I cannot tell you how many e-tutors/professors I have spoken to who lament the fact that they spend more time telling students to read the frequently asked questions guide than they do teaching. Read these before you begin a class, know what is expected of you academically and professionally, and then address the teacher with any real questions relating to course work and due dates later.

Be professional in the virtual classroom

While many distance schools offer only downloads and posted lectures, many do offer real time classes where you must login and participate in lectures. I myself have enjoyed these immensely as you get to know other students. That said if you are participating in real time lectures, arrive and login on time, the way you would at a real world educational institution. Signing in late and then giving details of your lateness is distracting to the other students and the professor.

While in the virtual classroom, read what others are writing, you may find your own questions are already being asked and answered, and never strike up a conversation with another student that the whole class can read. Instead treat the virtual classroom as a real world one, manners count. Use whole words when you do type, not text and email abbreviations, and try not to logout early, this too is a major distraction.

Be careful how you share

Many on-line schools now ask that you post some information about yourself which helps the Instructor gage your interests and goals, and helps you get to know your classmates. Like any other web page be careful what you share, and only use an email account that you don't mind giving out to at least thirty or more other people. When emailing, be courteous, don't spam other students or the professor with your myspace address or your latest e-entrepreneur project, and develop out of classroom friendships slowly.

While it certainly seems that courtesy and manners are dead in the on-line world, with a little thought and consideration you can use good netiquette during your distance learning. Above all, remember to enjoy your distance learning and the friends you make along the way.

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