# Welcome to SMIRK Unit
7 - Netiquette

- What is it?
- The rules
- What we expect
- Back to main index

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SMIRK by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/library/SMILE/

# What is it?

What is it? The practice of courtesy and respect that applies to working with any group also applies online. Since students can't actually see each other, you should pay more attention to courtesy over the internet. You should keep to the rules of online netiquette:

- Participate In the online environment, it is not enough to just turn up. If you don't join in no-one will know that you are there!
- Share questions and tips Taking part in discussions will help you learn. Where a student encounters problems, it is the experience of other students in the tutorial group that is most valuable. Students come to your course from a range of different backgrounds and cultures, so there will be a great deal of complementary experiences to share. All members should try to contribute.
- Think before you click! Before you post your comments, check through what you have written. Ask yourself the following questions: Have I said exactly what I mean? How may others perceive my words? Do read your messages carefully before you send them.
- Remember others cannot see your facial expressions When you make an ironic comment, others can't see whether you are smiling or not. Help your tutorial group see you by explaining your ideas fully. You could also use an emoticon (such as ) to let others know that your comment is meant to be funny.

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SMIRK by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/library/SMILE/

# The rules

- Remember others will read your comments If you are not sure how your ideas and comments are being taken, ask for feedback. Because visual clues are often lacking in online communication, electronic messages may be perceived as harsher than intended. If you disagree with what someone has said, please bear this in mind as you express that disagreement. Fiery rantings at eachother are not acceptable, with such postings removed from the GCULearn. If you are offended by another, please do not place angry retorts on GCULearn, since this will be unpleasant for other group members.
- Keep your messages short and succinct Aim to express your thoughts concisely on GCULearn. Writing long messages has the same effect as “rambling” in a face-to-face discussion. Attempt to “listen” to others as well as expressing your own ideas. Remember, reading lengthy messages can be tedious for you and your group comrades. Lengthy postings are less likely to hold attention and provoke a response from your peers.
- Derogatory or inappropriate comments are not acceptable They are subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred elsewhere in the University.

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SMIRK by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/library/SMILE/

# What we expect

- Adopt a responsible attitude towards creating a supportive GCULearn community in which all students can flourish.
- Respect the rights of all others within your tutorial group. Treat everybody with respect, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or social class.
- Take responsibility for your learning by attending GCULearn activities on time, working hard at your studies and contributing appropriately.
- Attend all timetabled GCULearn tasks.
- Co-operate with activities and peers.
- Respect others opinions and hear what they have to say.

######
SMIRK by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/library/SMILE/