Topic outline

  • Communicating effectively online

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    • Studying online does not mean that you are working in isolation. There are people on the other side of your screen, so the words you use really do matter. Netiquette can be defined as a practical code of behaviour for online interactions. Consider how you want to sound or appear to your academic team and your peers, and think carefully before hitting the send button.

      Watch this video for tips from staff and students on how to communicate appropriately in your online learning environment.

      timer3 minutes, 33 seconds (Video transcript)


      LightbulbEmailing tips

      • It is important that you contact us using your UniSA student email address because emails from non-university addresses are often blocked or there is a delay in receiving them
      • The academic team will contact you using your UniSA student email address. Please make sure you check your student email every 1-2 days or set up automatic forwarding to an alternative email address.
      • Find out how staff would like to be addressed - when in doubt, use their proper title (e.g. Dr. Marks)
      • Include a clear subject-heading that lets the recipient know what the topic is about
      • Include a greeting at the beginning (e.g. Dear Dr. Marks, ) and a salutation (e.g. Kind regards, )
      • Find out how the academic team would like you to communicate during the course (.e.g. Course email or online forum) - this will be explained early on in your Course site
      • Use clear and concise language
      • Check your grammar and spelling
      • Avoid slang or abbreviations used in messaging (e.g. use 'you' not 'u')
      • Use proper punctuation
      • Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN LOOK LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING
      • Be cautious when using humour or sarcasm as tone is something that can get misinterpreted in an email or forum post - your joke may be taken seriously or seen as offensive
      • More information and examples can be found in this resource

      LightbulbNetiquette tips

      • Always treat staff and peers with respect
      • Keep in mind that many people will view what you type, so carefully check your words for tone and professionalism before hitting send
      • Share your knowledge and ideas respectfully - rather than dominating the conversation, be inclusive by inviting others to contribute to the points you make
      • If you disagree with what someone has written in a forum and would like to express your position, do so respectfully and politely
      • Challenge ideas rather than the people offering the ideas - the aim should be to respectfully increase everyone's knowledge, not to put people down
      • Check your language, tone, grammar and spelling before you post your comments online - a poorly edited post may come across as unprofessional and careless
      • If you need to contact your Online Course Facilitator or Tutor about something personal or confidential, do not post it in the online forum - start by contacting the academic team via the course email
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