4 Good Communication Habits to Use in Your Next Online Class

Whether you are a seasoned distance education student or about to start your first online class, you probably already know that taking a course online is different than taking a traditional course in a classroom. Rather than seeing your classmates and professors in person almost every day, you will have to make connections with them through discussion forums, emails, and live chat. This can be both good and bad. The fact that you have the time to think before you speak makes offering ideas easier and less stressful. But, you also have to be careful how you come across in an online setting. Part of your grade is usually determined by your online participation, so try these tips to make sure you never rub your classmates or professors the wrong way.

1. Respect People’s Time

Try to remember that other people have lives outside of this class. Professors have plenty of other courses to teach and students to communicate with, let alone personal lives to attend to. And your classmates are also most likely busy people with little time to spend helping you or chatting with you. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out to ask questions or refrain from friendly conversation, but always take a second to think about whether or not the specific question you are asking could be solved with a little effort on your part before you take up others’ time.

2. Use Good Manners

This is pretty obvious, but it can be easy to slip into a very informal mode of communication online. There is nothing wrong with using typical internet shorthand when chatting with professors and classmates, but make sure that you don’t take things too far. Don’t assume you are friends with your professor or that you can address her or him in any way you choose. Begin emails with a proper salutation and keep things pleasant and respectful throughout. Then, modify your communication style depending on how your professors respond.

3. Use Correct Grammar

Sure, there is nothing wrong with being a bit informal when you’re writing online, but make sure that what you write is coherent and sounds like it was written by a college-level student. Don’t use so many abbreviations that you sound incoherent, or use acronyms like LOL and OMG to the extreme. Avoided them when speaking with professors. Do a spell check before you send out emails, use periods, and capitalize appropriately.

4. Keep Your Personal Life Private

You will hopefully develop great relationships with your professors and even befriend some of your classmates throughout your online program. However, it is important to remember that everyone is here to be in an academic setting and that this isn’t the time for social drama. Don’t start arguments on your class discussion forum or post unnecessary information about your personal life.