I agree 100% that we ALL need to understand netiquette and be properly trained on how to communicate online. However, I have to admit that I am amazed at how disrespectful students can often be towards instructors in the online environment. Sometimes I think it's easier because they are not "saying to my face" so to speak (most don't even look at my posted picture)! I think that would have been unheard of or at least VERY shocking in my grandparents' or parents' generation.
Debra,
Ah - but you do clarify what "friends" means. That is essential. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Cheryl, reading through the responses I actually have a different view. In the school where I teach, I find it value to have students as "friends" in the professional environment. It does not mean that I am fraternizing with them. To me, if is no different than joining the Criminal Justice Club with the students. When they friend me, I stay in touch with them on this level, help them network, provide guidance on interviewing skills, or resume writing when they are close to graduation. It is better for me to continue my services by "friending" them through the club or facebook than it would giving out my personal information. This way, using this platform ensures professionalism.
Tina,
I don't friend any students either. We're on the same track.
Tina,
Yes, the code of conduct should be for all - students and instructor. The instuctor should serve as the best role model.
Kim,
I absolutely do not friend any students. I believe that this may also be a violation of "fraternization" and should be a policy for faculty to tread very carefully in this venue. I believe that this should apply not only online, but on-ground campuses. Thank you
Cheryl,
I agree that faculty should have a code of conduct to abide by. However, based on your statement, i am concerned that perhaps there are many instructors who are in violation with their conduct. Perhaps I should not be as surprised as I am that this is happening. I do not agree that it should be a requirement, perhaps it should be addressed in faculty department meetings instead. Thank you for your comments though.
Dr. Karina,
Orientations help ensure all faculty are on the "same page" as far as the codes of conduct. Thanks.
Hello Cheryl,
I was thinking that all new potential faculty go through an orientation of whet Netiquette and Code of Conduct in all Universities.
Dr. Karina
Dr. Glenn,
Ah, yes. Comprehension and reading are two different things all together. My codes of conduct typically revolve around respect: respectful tone/communication, repect for others ideas, etc. It works for my classes. Thanks again.
How faculty communicate and demonstrate code of conduct expectations should be a fundatmental aspect of the instructional design. How student's interpret guidelines for interaction and online behavior must be supported by clear effective online classroom instructions. Too often online students will read announcements and posted policy because it is requried to be read. The comprehension for practical application is lost in transition. Every online distance educator should be not only required to take an orientation that addresses these issues, they should be required to develop the code of conduct for the classes they facilitate. The code of conduct should include classroom expectations not only for the student but for the instructor as well.
What important line items would you include in a code of conduct?
Faryl,
You are right on with the fact that written information is forever. Students need to understand the impact (good or bad) that they can make when making written comments. Ensuring that everyone is respected in the online environment, is essential. Thanks for your input.
I couldn't agree with you more. Most of the rules of a traditional classroom and how things are to be handled should be translated to the online environment. What we do online is written and there forever so we need to be respectful!
Interesting way to describe a rubric, Cheryl - a Code of Conduct for faculty!
Rubrics indeed provide this for instructors to manage discussions and assignments.
Victoria,
You are so right. The instructor must uphold the code as well and serve as a role model to the students. Nice job.
This is a good point. I think that the code of conduct written out for students should state that responses/posts should be respectful. The instructor should adhere to this same code of conduct. I think it should go without being said that being respectful means not putting down a student in front of their peers.
Cathleen & Cheryl,
You are right. Remember too that as instructors we serve as role models for the students. Earning respect begins by respecting others. Thanks!
Cheryl, I agree with you totally. We should never discuss a student's grades (a violation of FERPA) or chastise them online. We should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as we would like to be treated. Instructors should not demand, but earn respect!
I agree! Instructors also need to understand and be informed of what is acceptable and what is not acceptable when dealing with students in an Online environment.
Do you think it is acceptable to "friend" students via school sponsored social networking sites?
Kim
Yes I agree with you. Common sense should always be exercised. Corrective measures should always be done in private, as if done in a f2f environment.
Instructors, besides needing to be facilitators, also need to seriously take the role of a leader, and as a leader one should not submit to emotional reactions but rather meticulous actions to deal with students misbehavior specially if they are adult learners.
