Netiquette Lesson to Create a Positive Learning Environment

Although most learners are familiar with social media, studies have shown that learners need guidance and support to effectively learn on social platforms. In order to ensure a positive learning experience and maximize learning outcomes, we recommend instructors set up requirements and guidelines upfront before students start using CN. This will help create a positive environment for social discussion and interaction on CN. Below are some items for you to use with your class. Feel free to use it as is or make any changes. 

• Be polite and respectful to each other
• We should strive to create a safe learning environment for everyone. So, please understand that everyone makes mistakes and we help each other learn, grow, and succeed in this learning community we build together. 
• Think before you write, and ask yourself if you would say the same thing in person or would like others to say the same thing to you
• Be sensitive to cultural differences
• Create a positive online community by offering assistance and support to each other
• Always post course-related and beneficial content. When there is a specific discussion activity, follow the instructions closely. From the “Post” tab, you can access the course post feed to interact with each other, where you may continue in-class discussions, ask questions about assignments, share learning resources and tips, and more.
• Feel free to use various ways such as text, images, audios, videos, weblinks, files, and other media and tools to express yourself. You can be creative! 
• Use hashtags so that we can easily find discussions on a topic
• Use correct grammar and syntax
• If you have a personal or urgent question for me, please email me directly instead of posting it, so that I will get back to you as soon as possible
• Visit this course site often to check updates and complete learning activities 

Consider sharing your requirements and expectations with students and allow them to make comments and suggestions. You may invite them to create a post to share characteristics of their preferred social learning environment and three rules that believe are most important for a successful online learning community. Then, incorporate their ideas and suggestions and provide an updated version of your netiquette lesson. This way, your students will feel their voice is heard and become more motivated. 

We also attached the CN participation guidelines physics Professor Andrew Gavrin has shared with his students. You will see how the requirements and expectations are communicated with students in a specific course.