1.3.2 Introduce Netiquette and Code of Conduct

When designing a course you will be making decisions about what communication tools to use. These may involve the use of Forums for discussions, or Wiki for collaborative writing. The course may make use of personal blogs, where students can be asked to write their reflections in a form of online diary, for example. No matter what sort of communication tools you choose, instructors and students will be involved in sharing ideas with each other online during the course. All the shared ideas and discussions will form part of the content of your course and will grow as the course takes place. Whilst this is desired and most of the time planned for, you must be aware that you will not have much control regarding this active and growing content that is created by the participants in the course.

When working in shared online spaces, it is important that all participants involved are well aware that they should:

• Treat others with courtesy and respect
• Safeguard confidentiality and personal security
• Avoid committing or supporting plagiarism
• Understand and respect copyright

 While some experienced instructors and students will be aware of the above and naturally follow good network etiquette (also known as Netiquette – rules for acceptable online behaviour), it is important that a general code of conduct is clearly communicated to all participants before they start their activities.