Communicating in the Online Classroom
There are certain rules for polite behavior that are necessary to be involved in any kind of basic discussion on a discussion board, whether it is an assignment or simply an e-mail to a fellow student. All students in online classes should follow these rules of etiquette, or as they are sometimes called, "netiquette." Failing to do so may harm your grade or even result in your removal from an online course.

• Do not type a message using all capital letters, as online this is the same as if you were shouting at the person face-to-face. NOTICE HOW ANNOYING IT IS WHEN SOMETHING IS WRITTEN ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
  
• Remember that what you post is in the public domain and can be seen by your instructor, your classmates and potentially many others as well. Be careful in regard to how and what you present to your fellow learners in all of your discussion posts, papers and presentations. Do not use offensive language or post inappropriate photos or graphics. When you are a student you represent your college and your classmates. Do not embarrass them or yourself.



• Be careful to give credit to whomever or wherever you obtained your ideas for your posts, assignments and presentations. Cite your source(s), using quotations marks and a URL (website) or person's name. Failing to do so is plagiarism and, in extreme cases, could even result in you being expelled from Chabot College. This website offers detailed information on how to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.
  
• Use proper grammar and check your spelling. Blackboard's discussion board has a spell-checker, so take advantage of it. The whole class may be reading your writing, so make sure it's work of which you're proud.

The Core Rules of Netiquette
10 Rules of Communicating Online