Tech Tip: HAVE NETIQUETTE
TECH TIP
HAVE NETIQUETTE
As you have been planning for college, you have probably heard how you’ll use technology as a student. Activating your college e-mail and registering for text alerts allow you access to information regarding class cancellations, weather-related closings, student events, and other types of college-related communication such as campus emergencies. Your instructors may use e-mail to send you files and updates. Make sure you activate your college e-mail and check it daily.
THE PROBLEM
You communicate with your friends and family by e-mail, text, Skype, Facebook, and FaceTime, but you are not sure about the proper way to communicate with your college instructors.
THE FIX
Take a few minutes to figure out what exactly you need to ask, jot down your main points, and then compose a clear and concise e-mail or text message.
HOW TO DO IT
Whether your class is online or face-to-face, at some point you will need to communicate with your instructor using technology. Writing e-mails and text messages to your instructors is different from writing e-mails to your family and friends.
IF YOU ARE E-MAILING YOUR INSTRUCTOR, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
- Look at the example shown here, and follow its format. It’s best to use your college e-mail address because it has your name, and it helps your instructor recognize you as a student.
- Make the subject line informative. Your instructor might receive hundreds of e-mails every day, and a relevant subject like the name of the course or the assignment helps him or her respond faster. A subject line like “Class” or “Question” isn’t helpful; a blank subject line usually goes to the spam folder.
- Address your instructor with respect. Think about how you address your instructor in class, or look at your syllabus to see his or her proper title. If an instructor uses Doctor, then you should use Dr. If you don’t know his or her title, you can never go wrong with Dear Professor plus your instructor’s last name.
- Sign every e-mail with your full name and course number.
- When attaching files to your e-mail (a skill you should have), use widely accepted file formats like .doc, .docx, or .pdf. Also, be sure your last name is included in the file name you use. See the example shown.
IF YOU ARE USING ONLINE VIDEO FOR COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR, KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND:
- Make sure that you contact your instructor during office hours or by appointment. You do not want to disturb your instructor with a live chat when he or she is teaching another class, having dinner, or spending time with his or her family.
- Always choose an appropriate place to be before you get online. Inform the people around you about the videoconference so that they do not appear in the background, or you do not invade their privacy.
- If you are home during the videoconferencing, ensure that children and pets do not interrupt your conversation with the instructor.