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 chart for examples of appropriate and inappropriate comments when communicating with your peers or with your instructor.
In a face-to-face classroom, students can ask instructors questions directly and instructors can answer immediately, 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 coursework, 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 as-signment in your initial communication. Follow these guidelines to ensure successful communication with your instructor:
Communicating with peers and instructors
Related topics:
Submitting your best work
Using detail and clarity in discussions
Submitting only your own work