In addition to writing formally, use common sense and courtesy when communicating in your online classroom, and avoid writing anything that you wouldn’t say in a face-to-face setting. See the charts at the bottom of this page for examples of appropriate comments.

Dealing with controversial topics

Much of the content in college courses is meant to push you to think critically—often in ways that can challenge your assumptions or preconceptions. When discussing controversial topics, you might find that you disagree with your peers. It’s appropriate to hold different views, but you should be respectful when expressing your disagreement. Be logical and fair, and don’t attack your classmates personally.

Offering useful feedback on peers’ work

When offering feedback on your peers’ work, help your classmates with constructive advice, not harsh criticism. Try to point out at least one or two strengths. If you point out a weakness, accompany your feedback with a polite suggestion for improvement. Instead of writing short, choppy phrases that could be misinterpreted, write complete sentences that convey your desire to help your peer improve.

Writing with diversity in mind

When you can’t see or hear your classmates in person, it’s sometimes easy to forget that they come from a variety of backgrounds and may have differing levels of experience. Keep in mind that your online community will probably consist of a mix of genders, ages, cultural contexts, and linguistic backgrounds. Eliminate any sexist language from your online communication, and—out of respect for those who might not understand it—try to avoid using obscure slang, highly idiomatic language, or jargon. See the sections on word choice in your handbook.

Communicating with your instructor

In a face-to-face classroom, students can ask instructors questions directly and instructors can answer immediately, with both parties asking follow-up questions if they need clarification or more information. Additionally, body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions give instructors information that helps them interpret the nuances of a conversation in a face-to-face classroom. Clear communication is just as important in an online course, but it can be harder to achieve. You must provide detailed information when you communicate with your online instructor and write clearly and courteously to convey your needs and to develop and maintain a positive student-instructor relationship.

Just as you would not use shorthand or informal language for your course work, including your interaction in the discussion forums, you should not use such shortcuts in your e-mail or chat discussions with your instructor. E-mails in which the writer makes grammatical errors, omits punctuation or certain words, or uses texting language may seem disrespectful and probably will not be clear enough for your instructor to act on. Your instructor will be able to help more quickly if you provide clear questions and details about writing challenges or your approach to the assignment in your initial communication. Follow these guidelines to ensure successful communication with your instructor.

Noting your instructor’s availability and response times

Most instructors post their office hours on the course syllabus and, for an online course, designate the best times to contact them by phone, e-mail, or chat as well. Check the syllabus or other course resources to determine the best times and means to contact your instructor and to see if he or she has designated a certain amount of time in which you can expect a response to your e-mails (within one business day, for example). Keep in mind that some instructors may not be available after regular working hours or on the weekends. Read course materials and assignment descriptions carefully and well in advance of the due date so that if you need to ask any questions, your instructor has a reasonable amount of time during working hours to respond.

Writing with longevity and portability in mind

Remember that what is on the Web is public and portable: It can be copied, pasted, and sent to other students, teachers, and individuals outside your school. Write only comments that you wouldn’t mind sharing with the instructor or the rest of the class. In addition, be respectful and do not copy and paste anyone else’s comments to other forms of media. Keep class communication within the course itself.

Reading with an open mind

When you read messages from your instructor or peers, try to assume that the writer’s tone is neutral. Assume that each person is communicating with the best of intentions, and avoid taking offense at messages that seem too direct. If your classmate or instructor asks a question, read it as an inquiry rather than as a personal challenge or probe.