{"id":268,"date":"2015-10-29T18:05:27","date_gmt":"2015-10-29T21:35:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.delts.mun.ca\/id-resources\/?page_id=268"},"modified":"2026-04-20T09:10:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:40:35","slug":"netiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citl.mun.ca\/instructionalresources\/netiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"Netiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cOne person\u2019s clever joke is another person\u2019s offensive insult.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Jenny Preece, 2004)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is Netiquette?<\/h2>\n
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\u201c\u2018Netiquette\u2019 is network etiquette, the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of online communication. Netiquette covers both common courtesy online and the informal \u2018rules of the road\u2019 of cyberspace.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Shea, 1997, para 1)<\/em><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Netiquette is a set of rules that encourages appropriate online behavior related to the social and cultural norms of a community (Preece, 2004). These rules can vary depending upon the environment\/context (informal\/formal), people (familiar\/unfamiliar with each other), activity, and type of technology used (Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, UBC, n.d.; Preece, 2004; Rinaldi, 1996). Noncompliance of netiquette rule use can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect (Kozik & Slivova, 2014).<\/p>\n

Why do we Need Netiquette Rules?<\/h2>\n

The rules of etiquette that apply when communicating online are different from those that apply when communicating in person. It cannot be assumed that students automatically know how to communicate in an online environment. Netiquette rules have emerged to facilitate online interactions in the absence of visual and auditory cues, which can often be sources of misunderstandings, as readers can easily misinterpret messages (Marx, 2004). Knowledge of network etiquette discourages inappropriate online conduct and conflict (Mintu-Wimsatt, Kernek, & Lozada, 2010). Class interactions using netiquette encourage social interactions, community building, and trust between participants. It promotes a safe, engaging, respectful, and collaborative group where diversity of opinion is valued (Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, UBC, n.d.; Educational Technology and Mobile Learning, 2014).<\/p>\n

Why Should I Incorporate Netiquette Rules in my Online Course?<\/h2>\n

You are encouraged to include a section on netiquette in your online course syllabus to increase awareness of its importance. Netiquette can help students improve their soft skills, prevent miscommunications, help students better understand what is socially acceptable when working and collaborating online in different environments, and ensure that the teaching and learning process is not deterred (Hartsell, 2008; Kozik & Slivova, 2014; Shea, 1997). Netiquette rules can help promote professional standards of behavior in the online environment, as expected in the traditional classroom.<\/p>\n

Fundamental Netiquette Rules<\/h2>\n
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\"Fundamental<\/a>
Fundamental Netiquette Rules<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/h3>\n

Rule 1: Remember the Human<\/h3>\n