The University of Wollongong’s online communication for e-teaching and learning is based on two premises:
Online forums are important to professionals today. They enable us to keep up to date with colleagues and new ideas related to our work. Online discussion forums offer us a way to read what others have said or posted when we next "log-on" to the discussion.
At the University of Wollongong many of the subjects now include online communication via the WebCT Vista "Discussion" tool.
To help make discussions more effective here are some simple guidelines to follow.
Good online behaviour involves:
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Writing effectively and professionally |
Finding your own voice |
A secret to good virtual communication is developing a style that reflects who you are. After a few weeks of a good online discussions you should begin to know some of your fellow students , and they you, because your personalities will begin to emerge through postings.
It is important to develop a style that is both appropriate yet genuine. You should aim to form a good professional reputation online, especially in terms of quality of content. You want to become a person about whom others say: "I always read so and so's posts because I know they'll be good!"
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Sticking to the topic |
When you are in a discussion thread keep your ideas focused on the ideas being discussed. If you want to express a new idea you might put in a new subject title or start in a new thread. Show me what it looks like! |
Subject titles |
Name your postings with a title that lets people know what the message is about. Show me what it looks like! [changing message titles within the one thread] |
Keeping it short |
You don’t have to share everything you know about a topic. Keep your messages short enough so that it can be read on a single screen without scrolling is ideal. |
Using attachments |
Short paragraphs can help the reader, but if you’ve got something longer to say think about using an attachment. |
Being respectful |
Sharing the floor |
Not everyone can get online as regularly, or has the confidence to post ideas as often, bear this in mind and try not to dominate the discussion. Give others space and air time so everyone can be heard equally. |
Acknowledging before differing |
Let the author know your interpretation of their ideas before adding a contrary position. “What I think you mean is.... Have I got it right? My own view differs as follows....” |
Avoiding offending others |
Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred in the physical classroom. |
Make it interesting |
Adding a human touch |
We all like to feel as though someone has heard what we said. When you are responding to another student's post you might like to use their name. For example:
I’ve been thinking about what Jess said last week about government funding for filmmakers, and I think I agree. But this also made me wonder if the argument applies to all filmmakers, or just successful ones. Jess, do you think the government should give more money to established filmmakers, or to people just starting out?
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Stopping problems |
Letting someone know |
Most problems are easily solved, but we have to hear from you before we can help. If you run into any difficulties, don’t wait! Contact your lecturer, tutor or subject coordinator immediately through their preferred method (this will be told to you at the beginning of session and be in your subject outline). |
Asking questions |
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Avoiding common errors |
Check it's ready to "send" |
Re-read your ideas and tidy up the punctuation, sentences etc. When you're satisfied hit "send". Never hit "send" when you are responding in anger, draft it in a word processing software and sleep on it. |
Shouting |
WHEN YOU WRITE IN CAPITALS ONLINE IT IS THE SAME AS SHOUTING. Try and avoid it! |
Flaming |
"Flaming," or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it’s the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn’t do in an onsite, face to face classroom.
When flaming escalates into a heated online discussion or "flame war" it is very offensive to other readers. Avoid saying anything that may offend another person. If you see it happening report it to your lecturer, tutor or subject coordinator. |
Exclusionary online text conventions |
For some of you this University will be your first experience in communicating virtually. Others will be experienced with recreational tools such as instant messaging, text messaging etc.
In the same way that we speak differently to our friend than we do employers, it is important to adjust your existing skills for a professional/academic environment.
Electronic communication has developed into a language of its own. While abbreviations are quick they can exclude students, unfamiliar with the language, from the conversation.
Think about who you are talking with before you use abbreviations, text messaging conventions or other exclusionary types of language. |
Keeping it legal |
Acknowledge the original author |
If you’re copying something written by someone else, they own the rights to that. Just like in an essay, put it in quotes and give the author credit. |
Illegal downloads |
Never use the Discussion space to share illegal files eg. Downloaded mp3. |
Plagiarism |
Plagiarism, cheating and other violations of ethical student behaviour are serious actions in a learning community. You should expect to be treated accordingly. |
Read the rules |
Make yourself aware of University policies, if you know the rules you won’t go wrong.
You have specific obligations as a user of the University's computing facilities including not using another person's name/password and not using computing facilities, to harass others or to interfere with their work.
Specific policies regarding the above actions are spelled out in official University publications. It is a good idea to read the university’s policies by visiting the web site at:
Student Rights & Responsibilities |
Effective use of online discussion tools
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Using messages effectively |
Starting a new thread |
If you want to say something which has not been said yet try starting a new tread. It helps the reader separate out the ideas It's especially when we go back later in the session to revising for tests etc. |
Replying to a message |
When you’re responding to someone’s posting directly you might like to include all or part of the message you're replying to in your own message. Use the "reply/quote" function to do this [check on Vista]. Show me what it looks like! |
Quote the original author |
Remember you can cut out some of what will be included to keep the message short. Use "reply/quote", it will include a copy of the original message, then you can add your ideas. |
Replying privately |
When you have something to say directly to the author that may not be interesting to the whole class Reply just to that person using the "Reply Privately" function. They will receive your message in their Vista mail box [check on Vista]. Show me what it looks like! |
Reading the messages |
Marking messages as "read" or "unread" |
When you click on a message it automatically gets tagged by Vista as "read". You change this and select to have a read message marked as unread or visa-versa. |
Select what you want to read |
You can select to view all messages or only those which are new or "unread". If you select "unread" the others will be hidden but can be viewed by altering your selection. |
Compiling messages as text documents |
When you are ready to read an online discussion in total, you can ask Vista to compile a number of messages by thread and click to download these as a text file to your desktop. |
Working with others
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Get involved |
Join in the discussion |
In the online environment it’s not enough to read the discussion from the sidelines. We want to hear your voice to feel your presence, and we especially need your comments to add to the information, the shared learning, and the sense of community in each class. |
Working as a team |
Send friendly reminders |
Often when working in a small team in an online project you will each have certain tasks and responsibilities. Sometimes we get busy with other things.
If you are expecting something from a team mate which hasn't appeared, chase them up with friendly reminders |
Include everyone |
Try to include all students in the discussion, some may be less experienced with technology, be exchange students or those whose first language isn't English. |
Listen |
Listen to each other and incorporate everyone’s ideas in the set task. |
Ask questions |
Questions help us clarify our ideas and also draw people less comfortable with online communication into the discussion.
Ask open questions which will broaden the discussion. eg "I like what you said about adolescent health Sole, but how do you think this would impact on..." |
This WebCT guide has drawn ideas from a number of sources: Lynne Chapman, UNE and Kathleen Paul at Marylhurst College which we gratefully acknowledge their permission to use, and ideas from the team at UOW, especially Dr Kate Bowles.
