However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. It’s not advisable to use it as a tool for chatting with fellow students about irrelevant matters. While an online conversation with friends doesn’t necessarily require much thought, the same doesn’t go for when you are having a conversation with professors. Roadmap to Group Project Success in Online Classes ... Set ground rules upfront When first meeting as a group, one important task to accomplish is to establish ground rules as a group. (These are in no particular order. ground rules and suggestions for classes It is necessary that all students follow a few basic rules and suggestions so that we may have a successful training program. Often times, instructors set ground rules and online meeting netiquette to help build a healthy learning community. (Adapted from Brookfield & … I keep it simple with a few ground rules like: a) Cell phones off or on silent (I train new hires for my department so they don't need to be in touch with anyone during training). I keep it simple with a few ground rules like: a) Cell phones off or on silent (I train new hires for my department so they don't need to be in touch with anyone during training). They can prevent issues of incivility. That being said, there is no ‘real privacy’ on the internet, and you should handle what you share wisely. Respect the opinions of your classmates. Find A Specific Weekly Time to Meet A team can’t function solely through email. In this online class, we work together to support the successful achievement of our learning outcomes. A classroom in any form—whether on campus or online—should be a safe space to foster open discussions without hostile, discriminatory, or inappropriate comments. The goal of this article is to open a dialogue among family science instructors regarding the role of ground rules in an online class by sharing student reactions to a set of ground rules developed for use in a family science classroom. Ask each team member to propose 1-2 ground rules — Ground rules are most effective when they come from the team, not from the leader. Periodically, ask the class to reflect on whether the ground rules established at the beginning of the semester are working, and make adjustments as necessary. Punctuality: Arrive on time to each workshop session. Originally published April 2015, updated in 2020. Geography, Geology, Archaeology and Legends of the British Isles (and Ichthus Resources Shop) That way, you will save precious time for someone reading your email,  message, comment, or post. Be sure that you understand the ground rules and netiquette before you jump in and interrupt someone’s presentation! Remember that we live in a day and age where many things take place online, and building an online presence is just as important as the real-life one. Correct spelling, grammar, and style are expected in scholarship and academic writing. For instance, if you’re unsure how to go about it, stick to official sites that are known for credibility. Similarly, a joke can oftentimes be perceived as a rude remark. To help you keep your meetings productive and professional, follow these seven simple etiquette rules and tips! b) Drinks need lids (you'd think it was a given So, make sure that you understand what the discussion is about and only reply with things relevant to it. You may find your answers in the syllabus or the university website. For online students, all of the communication takes place online which is why these rules are especially important to them. Be forgiving. Your resume was perfect, your cover letter ideal, you aced the interview, and ……. The short description of the ground rules above doesn’t really do the book justice. This means that you should stay away from anything considered inappropriate and rude. Enough said there. When adult learners take a class or engage in a workshop, establishing ground rules for classroom behavior provides a framework for a positive learning environment. However, resorting to proper grammar and punctuation can make the message seem more professional and thought out. Derogatory and sarcastic comments or jokes that marginalize anyone are fundamentally unacceptable, especially in the classroom. It’s important to fact-check everything you read and possibly include sources when giving advice or information. SAMPLE GROUND RULES FOR TRAINING 1. Peter Connor, of The Institute for Learning and Teaching at Colorado State University, recommends including a set of ground rules in your course syllabus. Since there is no face-to-face interaction, if you fail to put your name on it or mess up the subject line, your assignment can easily be lost in a pile of emails. Ineach of those physical classroom types, I had classroom rules; yet, in myonline HAWO group classes, I was slow to implement classroom rules – VERY s l ow… If you have experience with groups that work well together (or more tips for how to make group interaction more effective), please share them with us in the comments section below. If that’s the Teenagers—with their budding hormones and complex social lives—can be easily distracted, and though many are mature and highly capable, they can still benefit from structure and rules. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. The internet is a vast place with information coming from all sorts of sources. Don’t lose your voice behind a series of jargon and citations. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the group wishes to. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Plan phone meetings at least once a week to keep everyone in sync. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Remember your audience. Additionally, you should follow specific instructions your professor gives about assignments. Of course, if you fail to find your answer after some time spent searching, you should turn to your professors or peers for help. While in-person, we communicate with the help of facial expressions and gestures. All classes are 100% mobile-friendly! In the unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, take immediate action to protect the safety and comfort of your students. Nothing is truly private online. If you’re interested in this topic, I’d recommend getting a copy of The Skilled Facilitator for yourself. Good teachers allow themselves to learn from the students. A light-hearted joke can be viewed differently in text. As a result, a certain amount of formality is a vital part of netiquette guidelines for students. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. You should be aware that you’re not always going to agree with the opinions of your classmates or professors. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Share all relevant information – If members of the team don’t share all of their information, this can lead to incorrect decisions. Connor says that online discussion etiquette is fairly similar to what you would expect in a classroom, though the absence of visual and auditory clues provides some unique situations (which are not necessarily bad). If you get stuck with a question on a certain assignment, it’s better to search for it before you ask your classmates or the professor. You should act the same as you would in a traditional classroom. View 2020_CPEP Classes_Class Participation_The Ground Rules_All Classes_viii.pdf from LAWS 2351 at University of New South Wales. Online group learning can make adult students feel uneasy – especially if it means being judged or … It’s easy to stray off the initial conversation, especially when there are many people participating in it. For example, members of the group may come from different cultural backgrounds. You shouldn’t attach files for which you are not sure if the other person will be able to open. Posted July 22, 2016. Rules can create a safe learning environment for course participants when all know that their ideas and viewpoints will be respected. online discussion guidelines for you to implement. 2. Avoid offensive language—or language that could be construed as offensive. … That way you will not distract others by joining late. My clients have always raised problems of work standards and work habits that could be addressed and perhaps resolved if everyone signed up to some ground rules. It’s possible that you might find your answer fast, and there will be no need to include third parties. No lurking in the cyberspace background. GROUND FOR ONLINE CLASSES TALK ABOUT PERSONAL COMMENTS ON A PRIVATE MESSAGE, NOT ON FORUMS AVOID EMOTICONS UNLESS IS IT ALLOWED BY THE TUTOR BE COURTEOUS, RESPECTFUL DON'T TURN IN LATE ASSIGNMENTS Prezi I felt the need to make a list of rules for them to abide by because, well, the first few days were a bit chaotic! T2, 2020, CPEP: Approaching Online Learning & Teaching COURT PROCESS It should be easy to read and comprehensible. Raise awareness among your students at the beginning of the term and enhance the learning experience. In addition, make sure your students avoid profanity. They also may be revisited during the semester. When a class is mainly lecture focused, ground rules help minimize distractions and maximize collaborative learning. Being polite on the internet should be as common as in real life. Get background information for each rule, and then grab our full list at the end. Rants directed at any contributor are highly unacceptable. No one is an expert in all things technology. Keep sensitive information private. Unless, the professor states otherwise, you should always refer to them professionally. 5. Below is a set of sample Community Ground Rules I have used in my online classes. I've begun using Zoom to complete online classes with my students. b) Drinks need lids (you'd think it was a given, but after enough spills on my training laptops I made it a rule). Don’t let your point get lost in translation by typing too many unnecessary words. It is important for online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized, focused, and productive. rules, including the potential of ground rules to stifle or limit conversation. This is where meeting ground rules come in to play. Introduce ground rules early in the semester. When you establish the classroom ground rules on the first day it can provide year long benefits for your challenging students. Join your class a couple minutes early to ensure a proper connection then follow the below tips for a quality online learning experience. Tips for Online Students: Participating in Class Discussions. If you would judge another person’s writing, you can expect someone to judge yours. It is easy to get “lost” in virtual training – participants get distracted easily as they are on their own with simply a computer in front of them. The following are … 3) Use Proper Writing Style: This is a requirement! Participate: This is a shared learning environment. and will be viewed as impolite. It is very Students who receive help will appreciate it and help other online students in the future. The walk around one I took off the list because if I used that one they would be walking around while I am teaching and I dont like that very much. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Conveying the same message online can prove more challenging. Ground Rules 285 KEY WORDS. For the most part, you should remember to be respectful and fact check your information. 4. This is why you should be careful when providing information. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions: by Peter Roper 1. You will not be able to join earlier than 10 minutes beforehand. It is helpful to come up with these as a group so that participants give input and are aware of the expectations. Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. T2, 2020, CPEP: Approaching Online Learning & … Originally published May 19, 2020 7:59 am, updated November 17, 2020, You will soon be contacted by one of our admission officers, © 2020 University of the Potomac All rights reserved   |   Privacy Policy   |   Accreditation   |   Regulatory & Consumer Information   |   Blog   |  Unsubscribe, Online Etiquette: 14 Netiquette Rules Online Students Should Know, Geospatial Information Technology (MSGIT), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Method and Background Not only does it make your text more readable, but it can also prepare you for professional writing that you might do in the future. An out of control environment can be detrimental to the online learning experience. Here are a few ground netiquette rules for online classes that students should be aware of. Remember that an online classroom is still a classroom. Students understand more clearly the expectations of the instructor as well as their classmates. This is why you have to make sure that your point doesn’t get lost in translation. Author Danny McDonald Categories Online Experience. Online learning, Threaded discussions, Family science Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Kari Morgan, Ph.D., University of … Example Workshop Ground Rules (Principles: Guidelines for Participation) Reference Chapter 6 in Requirements by Collaboration by Ellen Gottesdiener, Addison-Wesley, 2002. Home Elearning Education Blog Online Learning Tips: 5 Rules for Online Group Work. Whether we can attribute this to the distance between discussants, misinterpreting intentions due to a lack of visual and audio cues, general courage from having digital space between people, or a combination, anyone who has grazed through an online forum understands. Here are explanations of five of the key ground rules for online discussions he suggests including in your syllabus: 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. The same goes for both yours and others’ information, as it can be dangerous to distribute any of it without caution. 9 Ground rules for effective groups. 4) Respect Diversity: Your virtual classroom—and academia as a whole—should be a safe space for people of all races, genders, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses. For instance, not talking over someone, listening carefully, actively participating in class, etc. Ground-Rules for Groups. Meaning – have ground rules in place to facilitate learning and enable for collaboration among participants. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Social media Some online classes … Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. However, if not used carefully they can turn into a distraction box. Set ground rules upfront When first meeting as a group, one important task to accomplish is to establish ground rules as a group. The online community has its own set of rules that are referred to as the netiquette. Be Careful With Your Tone While an online conversation with friends doesn’t necessarily require much thought, the same doesn’t go for when you are having a conversation with professors. Unlike face-to-face interactions, taking too long to get to a point can result in the message getting lost in text. Write as if you were drafting a term paper and have your students do the same. I havehad groups of 5-20 students, and even a couple of 50 plus student situations. (These are in no particular order. These rules and our training procedures apply to everyone, whether you are training to make your dog a better mannered member of your family or to show in the competition ring. Criticism, although a central part of academia, must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions: by Peter Roper 1. Another thing to be careful with when submitting assignments online is attachments. Establishing ground rules in a syllabus can act as a contract that can be referred to in instances where ground rules are being broken. How to speak respectfully without taking part in disrespect or bullying is among the main reasons why we need these rules. Online privacy is something you should keep in mind when typing anything. Likewise, you should be cautious about what you choose to believe on the internet and what you share with others. Ground Rules for Web Conference Participants Meetings are sufficiently challenging when the participants are all in the same room. Considerations for Establishing Ground Rules. We will never share your personal information with anyone. What to consider before you continue your education. Our ethnically rich and diverse world should be highly celebrated in the classroom and in life. Check out the new Vlog addition to Finding Common Ground below. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. More: 10 Classroom Rules for Using Technology. You can disagree with someone and respect their opinions at the same time. From a young age, we are taught to behave properly and have good manners. For further guidance on developing ground rules for discussion forum interaction, refer to Virginia Shea’s influential book, Netiquette (1994). Ground-Rules for Groups are: – a set of rules that are usually developed at the first meeting and used by the leader, moderator or facilitator to manage individual and group interaction. 1. For the 2. They serve as a way of letting students communicate with each other and ask questions related to what they are learning. This can prove helpful to both you and the others. opportunity to set the ground rules for their experience. Treat contributions made by other members of the class with respect. Rules are an important aspect of every classroom, especially when you're working with high school students. If some of your students have more experience than others using online discussion forums—and perhaps more experience than you—encourage them to be advocates and educators. Gain skills to advance in your career. 1. This is especially true when it comes to sarcastic humor, as it usually isn’t possible to transmit the tone of voice when using text. Unfortunately, that is not the case in many situations. 2. Some teachers like to be more specific in their rules, such as hands must be kept to yourself at all times. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. A virtual classroom is a professional environment. 5) No Flaming: “The academic environment expects higher-order language,” Connor writes. Try our new Teacher Toolkit: Lesson Plans with Class for ideas you can bring to the classroom today! This is why the ground … Privacy is important to us too. Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. Most things you post and share are probably going to be there for a long time. Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program. For further guidance on developing ground rules for discussion forum interaction, refer to Virginia Shea’s influential book, Netiquette (1994). Being mindful of how to submit online assignments to professors should be something every student knows how to do. Filling the conversation with unnecessary information can lose precious time, and make it hard for someone to understand what the discussion is really about. Center for Teaching and Learning 427 South Forth Street, Suite 300 Ask students for feedback. However, keep in mind that you should always be respectful in discussions. © Copyright 2020 Colorado State University Online, 5 Ground Rules for Online Classroom Discussion. ESTABLISHING GROUND RULES FOR GROUPS Adapted for CHEM 342 by HBW from Chapter 14, by the same name in 500 Tips on Group Learning by Phil Race. This means being careful with passwords, whereabouts, private conversations, and pictures. Be sure that you understand the ground rules and netiquette before you jump in and interrupt someone’s presentation! Netiquette guidelines are a set of rules that dictate what tasteful and respectful online behavior is. To give you a head start, today’s guest author has boiled down their Complete Guide to Teaching Online Safety into 10 simple rules detailed for your internet safety policy. Hence it best to use short and clear sentences when trying to explain something. Test assumptions and inferences – making inferences from available information is a valuable skill, but what if we make these assumptions based on incorrect information or a misunderstanding of what someone else said?. View 2020_CPEP Classes_Class Participation_The Ground Rules_All Classes_viii.pdf from LAWS 2351 at University of New South Wales. Being familiar with the unwritten rules of the internet and guidelines for interacting online can prove helpful with any online communication you have. If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge the valid points in your classmate’s argument. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. In the previous blog (posted December 18), we looked at establishing a set of standards for behavior and interaction in a teaching and learning environment online, which are different in some important ways from the ground rules in regular, face-to-face classrooms. But even if you're no stranger to the remote way of life, it's still easy to fall victim to some major meeting faux pas. Limit the number of ground rules to 12. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, virtual meetings have become an essential part of how modern businesses maintain productivity and continuity. They are not in … In an effort to ensure our community develops, thrives and sustains throughout our time together, the following ground rules will be in effect at all times. Share your personal information with anyone Plans with class for ideas you disagree... Should keep in mind that you might find your answer is accurate and well-articulated guide... 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The Zoom application for your professor should be careful when providing information letting students communicate with the help facial! Have good manners assignments online is attachments help, Translate a course Background information for each,! Can be referred to as the instructor as well as their classmates higher-order language ”!, follow these seven simple etiquette rules and online meeting netiquette to help build a healthy learning.! Struggle ground rules for online classes written communication are any difficulties with your group, these 9 ground rules for Web Conference participants are... S face you keep your meetings productive and professional, follow these seven simple rules! The Potomac, at the beginning of the Skilled Facilitator for yourself useful! Polite on the internet and guidelines for students with saying to someone s! If that ’ s argument to agree with the respect and compassion they deserve when! As writing in ALL-CAPS can oftentimes be perceived as a tool for chatting with fellow about! Rushing in after the bell has begun to ring will be considered tardy be no need to register for account. Be something every student knows how to go about it, stick to official sites that are known for.. To yourself at all times online classes embrace the idea of social.. Establishing ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue find your answers in the comments below spending more time.. You are not sure if the other person will be able to join than...