Introduction

Let’s begin by defining the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous”.

Asynchronous – means interactions not happening at the same time (e.g., discussion forums)

Synchronous – means interactions occurring at the same time (e.g., video-conferencing in Zoom).

Some interactions can be either asynchronous or synchronous, like chat or messaging.

Now, let’s reflect a bit on our own experiences (or imagined experiences). First, pick as many of the behaviors below that apply to you. You can add 1 additional behavior that you type in. Use common conventional language/spelling here as others may be adding too. Then, click on the Results tab to see how others voted on this question.

Some things to think about...

In 1994, Virginia Shay developed the term Netiquette and the ground rules surrounding the concept back when online learning was still primarily asynchronous and just beginning to take off. Her fundamental ground rules still apply:

1. Remember the human.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
5. Make yourself look good online.
6. Share expert knowledge.
7. Help keep flame wars under control.
8. Respect other people’s privacy.
9. Don’t abuse your power.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.

Others wrap these up into the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. If it's not acceptable face-to-face behavior, then it's not acceptable online behavior.

Below are some specific considerations for both asynchronous and synchronous settings.

Netiquette for asynchronous activities

Zetiquette (Netiquette) for synchronous activities

Be professional
- Use scholarly words
- Don't share in class stories outside class
- Address your instructors by Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms. or in the way they've suggested. Do not use "Hey", "Dude", etc.
- Address your peers by the names used in the course, unless they've asked you to do otherwise.
Be respectful
- Get permission before you use, reference, or share emails, photos, and other student and instructor content.
- Give credit to others as appropriate.
- Cite references used and provide links when possible.
- Be open-minded about others' opinions. There is a diverse representation of culture, backgrounds, socio-economic status, political and religious opinions, etc.
- Do not flame - meaning while it is okay to politely disagree, do not engage in an argument.
- Don't bully or mock others.
- Do not type in ALL CAPS - this comes across as yelling. Use other means, such as bolding and italicizing, to add emphasis.
- Do not overuse emojis--particularly as an attempt to cover underlying emotions. Some instructors do not allow the use of emojis.
Be thoughtful
- Think before you post. Be sure your response meets the expectations.
- Proofread for typos, grammatical errors, etc. (You can type this out first in Word and then copy/paste to the online environment.)
- Remember sarcasm is easily misunderstood in written form.
- Remember everything is recorded.
- Critique kindly and remember we are all human.

Arrive 5 minutes early.
Test your equipment
- Your wifi connection - consider restarting your wifi if needed.
- Your sound input and output (consider using a headphone/mic set to reduce background noise and echo loops).
- Your camera.
Consider your background. Messy? Inappropriate for general audiences? If you don't want your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. to see it, use a virtual background to hide it, or get a divider to place behind you.
Dress as though you are going to school on campus. Tops and bottoms required. Brush/Comb your hair.
Don't use your camera as a mirror.
Don't shout--use your normal speaking voice. The mic can be adjusted if needed.
Avoid interrupting. With delays, this isn't always possible. Alternatively you can raise your virtual hand or type in the chat box.
In fact, if you are not sharing, presenting, or talking at the moment, mute yourself.
If you need to leave your area for any reason, let others know through chat and turn off your webcam/mic until you return unless your instructor specifically tells you not to.
If you need to cough, sneeze, blow your nose, etc., at kill your mic and cam until you are done.
If you have to eat during the meeting, and the instructor has said it is okay to do so, turn off your mic. Noises like shuffling your papers, chewing, pen clicking, etc. come across unbelievably loud in video-conferences.
Know that the other participants can see everything you are doing when your camera is on. Try to avoid multi-tasking.
Try to make plans for younger children and make sure everyone in the household knows you are video-conferencing.
Try to keep pets out of the room or at least avoid cat tails in the camera. If dogs bark outside your room, let them in but encourage them to lay beside you. Consider using a leash to station them near you.
Apply the rules of netiquette for asynchronous settings to synchronous settings when applicable. Be professional, Be respectful, Be kind.

Additional Resources