Becoming a successful online learner: Working in online groups

Practice good nettiquitte

Human communication is very rarely perfect, being prone to misinterpretation, loss of meaning and omission of information. Text-based communication in online discussions can become further distorted due to the lack of visual and paralinguistic (facial expression, intonation, gesture, body orientation) cues; and by time gaps within conversations.

The following netiquette guidelines are adapted from Alexander (2000):

• Thank, acknowledge and support people freely.
• Criticise the idea, not the person! Be constructive and offer your alternative ideas.
• Be aware that jokes and irony can easily be misunderstood and cause offence.
• Avoid flaming (being rude or aggressive).
• AVOID CAPITALS - this is considered to be the online equivalent of shouting.
• Deliberately add a time delay to emotional responses.
• Avoid taking sides.
• Use email or telephone contact for emotional or confidential communications.
• Avoid excessive use of slang or jargon.
• Use clear, simple language.
• Keep messages brief.
• Use white space and bullet points to break up forum posts.
• Don't start a new thread in a forum if your message would be better as a reply to an existing message.
• Always give your message a clear, concise subject title.

Develop your online group working skills

Online forums and group collaboration tools can be an effective way of participating in group work without having to meet face-to-face. However, as discussed above, communication online can be problematic. Many of the skills necessary for working in face-to-face groups also apply to online groups. (See units under, 'Working in groups?')