Netiquette
Netiquette refers to the expectations, guidelines, and respectful practices that support positive online communication and interaction. As learning environments increasingly incorporate online and hybrid components, it is important to establish clear expectations for how learners, instructors, and staff engage with one another in digital spaces.
Why Netiquette Matters
Online communication can sometimes feel different from face-to-face interaction. Without physical presence, tone, body language, and context may be more difficult to interpret, which can occasionally lead to misunderstandings or unintentional negative interactions.
Establishing netiquette expectations can help create respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where learners feel comfortable participating and communicating. Clear expectations can also help support professionalism, encourage constructive participation, reduce conflict, and foster a stronger sense of community within online, blended, and hybrid learning environments.
Discussing netiquette early in a course can help learners better understand communication expectations and encourage thoughtful, respectful engagement throughout the learning experience.
Best Practices for Netiquette
Establishing clear expectations for online communication can help support respectful, inclusive, and productive learning environments. The following practices can help encourage positive interactions across online, blended, and hybrid learning spaces.
Be Supportive
Online communication is still human-to-human interaction. Learners and instructors may occasionally make mistakes, misunderstand messages, or experience technology challenges.
- Treat others with respect and professionalism.
- Be patient and considerate when misunderstandings occur.
- Provide constructive and supportive responses.
- Recognize that learners may have different experiences, backgrounds, and comfort levels with technology.
Communicate Responsibly
Online interactions contribute to the overall tone and culture of the learning environment. Thoughtful communication can help foster respectful and productive discussions.
- Be open to differing opinions and perspectives.
- Avoid confrontational, disrespectful, or inflammatory language.
- Think carefully before sending messages or contributing to discussions.
- Respect privacy, copyright, and academic integrity expectations.
Respect the Learning Environment
Establishing expectations early can help create a positive and respectful classroom culture across online and hybrid learning environments.
- Learn the basic functions of required technologies before participating in class activities.
- Arrive on time and prepared for synchronous learning sessions.
- Allow space for others to contribute to discussions and activities.
- Keep contributions concise, relevant, and respectful.
Model Positive Communication
Instructors, teaching assistants, and learners all contribute to the communication culture within a course.
- Clearly discuss communication expectations early in the course.
- Model respectful, inclusive, and professional communication practices.
- Provide guidance for online discussions, group work, and synchronous sessions.
- Encourage thoughtful participation and constructive feedback.
Supporting Netiquette in Courses
You can help promote positive online interactions by intentionally discussing communication expectations and modelling respectful behaviour throughout the course.
- Include communication expectations within the course outline or Canvas course.
- Discuss netiquette expectations early in the term.
- Provide guidance for online discussions, group work, email communication, and synchronous sessions.
- Consider collaboratively establishing discussion expectations with learners.
- Address concerns respectfully and consistently when issues arise.