Netiquette
for USask Instructors and Students
Principle 1:
Instructors
- Treat students online like you would face to face (F2F). We are all dealing with a life-altering experience. It’s easy to misinterpret emotions and meaning online.
- “Challenge ideas rather than the students who offer the ideas.” [Carlton University] You hold a position of power in this relationship.
- Move towards Reconciliation. Foster learning environments that are welcoming and safe for all, including Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.
- Estimate the amount of time it would take for students to complete the tasks you’ve assigned, including those to consume (read, watch, listen, etc.) and produce (write, record, etc.). This should not exceed F2F expectations.
- Select materials and activities that are low bandwidth whenever possible.
Students
- The goodwill you show online will help to create a safe space for learning and productive community of learners. - Guidelines for Academic Conduct
- Keep in mind that your instructors and peers have feelings and imperfections just like you. Follow this basic rule: if you wouldn’t say something in-person, don’t say it online.
- Critique ideas, not people. Take action if you receive threatening or inappropriate messages by connecting with the appropriate channel.
- Engage in scholarly discussions by sharing your ideas and knowledge and responding meaningfully to others.
- Be aware of course deadlines and post in a timely manner.
- Be patient. Expect a delay of 24-48 hrs before someone responds to your messages (or any other communicated schedule/frequency).
Principle 2:
Instructors
- Determine which elements of your online life you want to share with students and which elements will remain private.
- Use language appropriate for the learning context.
- Just like F2F, be attired for the classroom. Consider your appearance and background when filming: what’s the non-verbal story you are telling?
Students
- Respect others’ privacy. What’s said in class stays in class. Be discreet with others’ personal details and opinions on sensitive issues.
- Keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking, and follow instructor guidelines about your video settings.
- Ensure you are dressed appropriately for your online class.
- Be aware of what your peers and instructor can see and hear when live or recording. Try using a neutral background.
Principle 3:
Principle 4:
Instructors
- Ensure that you are appropriately using the works of others in your class in a way that is respectful of Canadian copyright law.
- “If it was okay to do in class, it is often okay to do online; especially when online access is limited to the same enrolled students (for example via an LMS*).” [Shifting Your In-Person Course to Online: Copyright Considerations]
*LMS - Learning Management System: ie. Blackboard or Canvas
Students
- Do your research ahead of time so you don’t post misleading or incorrect information, and always reference your sources.
- If you are unsure about copyright, visit the USask Copyright website to learn more and get help.
Comply with university expectations for appropriate conduct. None of the advice above, however, is to be construed as restricting your freedom to raise controversial issues or views within the context of an open, healthy and respectful dialogue.
Resources:
- Norms for Remote Learning - simplified poster
- Netiquette Video (featured right) - Writing Skills Video Series, by Heather McWhinney and Martin Boucher, JSGS / SENS - USask
- View and reflect on this video resource to personalize and create your own resource(s) regarding netiquette to share with your students.
Other Resources
- “Netiquette” in Online Courses - Carleton University
- Simple Strategies to Elevate your Asynchronous Delivery - Educatus, GMCTL
- Guidelines for Academic Conduct, Office of the University Secretary, USask
- Safe Disclosure Reporting - Office of the University Secretary, USask
- University of Saskatchewan's Learning Charter
- Shifting Your In-Person Course to Online: Copyright Considerations -University Library, USask
- Copyright information for students -University Library, USask
- Netiquette for Online Communication - Oklahoma State University
- 14 Great Tips for Student Netiquette - Online Study Australia
Updated: Nov 2020
This work by the University of Saskatchewan is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0; International License.