I agree. It is very important to consider not only the typeface, but also how you communicate. Especially with text messages, many people use "text speak." Again, depending on what image you hope to display will dictate how you speak in your texts. If you use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar - you will appear more formal, while using the standard abbreviations may make you seem less formal.
This is important because it establishes the way in which students see you. If you are casual, you may be more approachable. Conversely, the students may also feel like you lack the authority to control the class.
Mandy,
Netiquette is essential and helping students understand why it is important may even be more important. I provide examples of good and bad discussion posting in my syllabus and explain why they are good or bad. This seems to help. Thanks for your input.
I agree the typeface is extremely important. I also feel that having a understanding of netiquette is important as well. For example, I have some students that post discussion answers in all caps. In the on-line world this means that this person is "yelling", but if this person is unaware of netiquette then they are not understanding why caps shouldn't be used.
