Tutors often use group work and peer-to-peer interaction to create an effective environment for learners to share knowledge, experiences, and views. As more students learn remotely, maintaining these collaborative experiences online remains vital.
While plenty of guidance exists for navigating the technical barriers of synchronous or asynchronous learning, students face a less obvious challenge once those hurdles are cleared: appropriate online peer behaviour. Adopting a few basic techniques can prevent misunderstandings, heated exchanges, and accidental upset.
Fortunately, good online behaviour mirrors a face-to-face setting and relies on the same core values: respect for others and their perspectives. Often called netiquette, polite and professional communication ensures successful, meaningful, and respectful interactions among peers.
General Online Behaviour
- Be respectful and constructive: Acknowledge diverse perspectives and move conversations forward supportively. Disagree with the idea, not the person.
- Pause before challenging: Try summarising the other person’s view in your own words before offering a counterargument so they know you are engaging with their point.
- Communicate clearly: State your point of view directly and be mindful that text can easily lose context or tone.
- Manage your reactions: Take a break if you feel upset or angry before replying. Avoid language that is obscene, threatening, or dismissive.
- Think about effect over intention: Even if you mean well, consider how your words or shared images (including GIFs) might be perceived by others. Avoid posting anything that could cause harm or distress.
Guidance for Live Interactive Sessions
(e.g., lectures, seminars, tutorials, or meetings)
- Be punctual: Join online sessions on time.
- Manage your audio and video: Keep your microphone muted when not speaking to eliminate background noise. Keep your camera on when possible to build rapport and show engagement, using the chat function if you need to explain why it is off.
- Engage actively: Participate in discussions and use virtual hand-raising features when you want to speak. Avoid eating during live sessions.
- Dress appropriately: Maintain the same professional or appropriate standards you would in an in-person academic setting.
Guidance for Online Written Discussions
(e.g., emails, forums, and chat channels)
- Keep messages succinct: Avoid rambling to ensure your points remain clear.
- Use formatting wisely: Avoid using ALL CAPS, as it reads as shouting. Use emojis where appropriate to help convey tone, but avoid profane or disrespectful language.
- Post in the right place: Ensure your replies are placed in the correct threaded areas or channels so they are read in context.