Netiquette for Online Discussion

As a student in this subject, you are expected to participate in the online community in a responsible
way that is consistent with good academic practice. The following guidelines for online participation can
assist you in this interchange of ideas and comments. Online text-based communication can be
somewhat different to face-to-face conversation where facial expressions and body stance often add
meaning to what is being said.

Acknowledge other students' opinions, even when you disagree, and always provide clear,
thoughtful support for your views.

Respect the rights of other students to participate in ways which are free from harassment
and intimidation. Flaming (comments intended to abuse or insult) and personal abuse are
entirely inappropriate.

Always assume good intent and respond accordingly. If you are unsure of or annoyed by a
message, wait 24 hours before responding.

When posting a message choose your words carefully to communicate what you intend. It
is difficult to convey subtle meaning in online communications. Don’t assume that others will
interpret your message in the same way that you do. Consider rewording your message if you
think there is a chance that others will misunderstand your message and be offended by it.

Do not use UTSOnline for distributing or sharing material for which you do not have
copyright ownership, or which is irrelevant for learning in this course or subject. For example,
adding journal papers or Library E-Reserve materials as attachments to your postings may
appear to be helpful but actually breaches copyright laws. Abide by UTS policies, codes of
conduct and guidelines for Good Academic Practice.

Make sure that you choose the appropriate discussion forum for your message. Discussion
forums in UTSOnline have brief descriptions of the topics that are suitable for discussion within
the forum.

Avoid typing in all capitals because it is difficult to read and is considered the electronic
version of ‘shouting’.

Give your postings and replies to postings meaningful ‘Subject’ titles related to what you are
saying so as to assist others to locate and read your messages.

Quote the relevant message or excerpt when responding. This will help other students see
which point you are responding to in a complex multi-level discussion thread.

If you include an attachment to your message please ensure that it is free of any viruses
before posting it.

UTS retains the right to remove any message/material posted into the discussion forums or
elsewhere that contravenes UTS policies, or which is inappropriate to the learning activities in
this course/subject.

A useful resource that describes effective strategies for engaging in online discussions can be found at
http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infotrac/tips/onlinediscussions_tipsforstudents.pdf