Netiquette Rules for Synchronous Meetings

I came across a great resource to use when hosting my synchronous meetings. A. Prepare ahead 1. Introduce students to "netiquette" (rules that govern online communication) prior to the initial chat session. One helpful site is http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/wc101/topics/Netiquette.shtml 2. E-mail an agenda for the upcoming chat session to all students at the beginning of the week prior to the chat. You might tell students what readings will be discussed, what questions they should be prepared to answer, what topics to be familiar with, and the like. 3. Alternately or additionally, post information on the calendar and the upper/lower textboxes on the chat room page. 4. Limit the number of students in any one chat group to 10 or 12 at the most. If you have a large class, this may require scheduling multiple chat sessions. 5. For large classes, assign groups to chat at set times with students assigned as moderators, facilitators, or leaders (or use teaching assistants if available). B. Manage the dialogue 1. Address students by first name. Example: "Rachel, let me answer your question about >>> by saying >>>." This helps keep the chat room personal. Because the dialogue may be scrolling fast, it also helps participants keep track of whose comments and questions are being addressed. 2. Gently direct the chat by bringing students back on track when they begin to wander off the subject. 3. Use an interrupted thought when you are trying to respond and want to keep students' attention. Example: Instructor> Bill, your insight is . . .Instructor> really terrific. Let's talk about the point you made. 4. Send out a log (transcript) of the chat to everyone after the chat is over. This can be done on the class listserv, distributed via e-mail, or posted to a secure Web page. Students who were not able to attend can read through the script and get the information. Students often ask different questions on the same topic in different sessions; another benefit of the log is that it lets all students see questions not covered in their session. 5. If students are required to participate for only a short time during a long chat session, let students who logged on early answer questions that were covered earlier in the chat. 6. Avoid using only a question/answer format; encourage dialogue that requires critical analysis or higher-level thinking skills by using open-ended statements that require more than a yes or no response.