Amethyst+Final+Draft

We are forming a community of learners! As we enter into this new relationship it is important to remember that we must work together to ensure that everyone in our community has a chance to share his or her ideas in a manner that is both respectful and supportive of others.
 * Intro:**

Netiquette refers to codes of behavior online. These rules apply to communication in blogs and discussion boards, email and online chat. Breaking netiquette rules can lead to hurt feelings. As we post online, the most important thing for us to remember is that we are talking to other human beings. People online have feelings and emotions just like we do.
 * Netiquette:**

Be polite. Do not write in ALL CAPS. It is considered shouting, or “flame”, and you will be perceived as angry. Do not reply to a message that makes you angry without taking a time-out and carefully considering your response. It’s easier to save a draft for later than it is to hit send and regret the consequences. Be respectful and use correct word choices. Reread all posts before posting. Check your messages for spelling and grammar mistakes before posting Write carefully. The person at the other end of the email cannot see the expression on your face or hear the tone in your voice Never give out personal information online Make sure your subject line describes the content of your email. Avoid IM speak. It is considered slang, and may not be appropriate in certain situations Keep private emails private. Do not forward them if they were intended as a personal communication. Do not give anyone your private password. Assume that everything you write is public. It may be out in cyberspace forever. Protect the hardware and software.
 * Some Netiquette Rules to Remember:**

There are several ways that we will be communicating with each other during the course of this class. We will be using:
 * Types of Online Communication:**
 * Discussion/Message Boards:** The Discussion Board is the area where whole class discussions will take place. Every member of the class will be able to read and respond to messages posted to the main discussion board. This feature is designed for **asynchronous** use. This means **everyone does not have to be available at the same time** to have a conversation.
 * Chat:** A chat room allows two or more people to type messages to each other at the same time for instant communication. There are many types of chat rooms used on the Internet. This feature is designed for **synchronous** use. This means that **everyone has to be available at the same time** to have a conversation.
 * Email:** Email refers to electronic mail, which is a means of sending messages via the internet. Email can also allow you to send files as attachments to email messages. Email is **asynchronous,** and allows for the sender to privately send messages to one or more identified recipients.
 * Assignment Submissions**: When uploading your assignments to the learning management system (LMS), you are turning in your final copy for grading.

Students are encouraged to use proper writing when working on assignments for their classes. Students are expected to be articulate and use proper spelling and grammar when they are communicating with a teacher or peer in an educational setting. In order to build a learning community, some exceptions to this rule may be applicable.
 * Tips for Effective Communication:**

Some **Email** is slightly informal, so a few emoticons are permissible. Emails should be proofread before they are sent since it is a form of **asynchronous** communication.

All **message board** posts should be proofread. If the discussion board is being used for a specific project, it should be treated like an assignment submission in terms of grammar and spelling.

When using **acronyms**, make sure everyone involved in the conversation knows what it stands for.


 * Emoticons** help convey voice, but should only be included in less formal communication, like chat, the more casual threads in your discussion boards, and informal email communications. Even then, they should be kept to a minimum.

It is important for the sake of communication that students check their spelling prior to any **asynchronous communication.** Proper grammar and spelling is always expected. Students will focus on correct spelling to their best ability before turning in their final writing pieces.
 * Communicating in this New Learning Community:**


 * Synchronous communication**, like chat, requires that students put forth their best effort to communicate their ideas. Chat rooms need to be articulate. While spelling and grammar are important for comprehension; speed is often a key factor in maintaining a lively discussion. This is especially the case when multiple students are online simultaneously. Be sure to express yourself in the clearest most concise manner possible, while maintaining the integrity of the community.