TOPIC 2: E-MAIL BASICS and NETIQUETTE
E-mail Basics
Written communication through e-mail and, in some classes, the discussion forum are major components of an online course. It is important that you learn to use them effectively. The following guidelines will help you increase your skills in these areas.
1. Always identify the subject of the e-mail in the Subject line. This tells the recipient of your e-mail what it is about without opening it. Always include your Name and Course Number.
2. Always type your name at the end of the message or use a signature block. The signature block automatically puts your name at the end of the message. Check the help menu in your email program to see how to set up a signature.
3. Do not type your message in all
capital letters. It is equivalent to shouting or screaming and is considered
VERY RUDE.
4. Be aware that nonverbal cues are
absent in e-mail. Be aware that attempts at humor or using sarcasm on your part
may be misinterpreted. One way to express emotions is to use emoticons. You
can find some examples at
http://www.cknow.com/faqs/What/Emoticons.html Smileys and emoticons are not used in
formal writing but can be used in personal conversation or feed back.
5. It is unethical to copy and forward
information from e-mails to people outside the class. It is also inappropriate
to talk about personal topics to people outside the class or discussed by
classmates in the discussion forum or e-mails. Excelling at Netiquette It is important to
understand and abide by some rules of manners and rules of proper conduct when
using the Internet. Please access and read the document on Netiquette at
http://www.ciremagazine.com/article.php?article_id=547 End of Topic
2. Continue to
Topic 3
Topic 1: Contacting Your Instructor
Topic 3: Succeeding On Line
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