Online Communication

Online communication limits the way you can interact with others. Face-to-face, we have the luxury of nonverbal cues to accompany our words. Online, we must communicate without eye contact, hand gestures or voice inflection.

Some simple rules to keep in mind (from Doug Liberati, "Building Successful Online Relationships," in Getting the Most from Online Learning, ed. George Piskurich, pg. 131-144, Pfeiffer, 2004).

1. You are dealing with people. With email, discussion threads, and chat rooms, it's easy to forget this important fact. Personal attacks have no place in a positive learning environment.
2. Communicate. Write clearly and concisely. Say what you mean and then stop.
3. Practice patience. In asynchronous environments, your peers may not be available to respond to your post or question immediately after you submit it.
4. Respect other's time and bandwidth. Be sure that what you are posting or sending is worth the time and consideration of others.

Interacting in MyLutherNet

Threaded Discussion Forums

• Be prepared - do the assigned readings and writing.
• Read your classmates' posts and respond thoughtfully.
• Be willing to share your experiences.
• Be an active participant. Contribute more to the conversation than "I agree" or "Good point."

Live Chat

• Be prepared.
• Think before you type.
• Follow any instructions given by your professor.