Talking Through e-Learning

Much of our learning today comes from interactions and communications with our peers and instructions in class. e-Learning is allowing more of these opportunities each and every year. However, there are some guidelines to use for appropriate interactions that will not irritate your colleagues or jeopardize your standing with your class.

To gain the most from your learning experience, use the following guidelines for communicating with others:

• Remember - you are dealing with a PERSON, not a computer or inanimate object. Emails, chat rooms, bulletin boards, teleconferences and chats are all dealing with live people.
• Your virtual behavior should be the same as in the real world. Depending on the type of class you are taking, your friendships and interactions may be a bit more, or a bit less formal. However, you are still expected to behave as though you would if you were speaking to that individual face-to-face. Don't use email or the computer as a tool for being mean or rude to someone.
• Share with everyone. Don't forget to give back to the class. Share your experiences and what you have learned. Keep your opinions to yourself unless they are solicited. But, you have got to get your own "big give" going.
• Forgive everyone. Assume that everyone in the class means the best and that, because they are human, they may make mistakes from time to time. If someone misinterprets your genius or brainy comments, just chalk it up to an untimely mistake.
• Communicate. Write, speak, and say what you mean clearly and concisely. After that, just take your hands off the keyboard and stop. Don't "flame" or use the Internet as a virtual podium where you can solve the problems of the world.
• Use appropriate emoticons in small measures. Although these little symbols are cute and can convey a lot of meaning, keep them to a minimum and use them appropriately.

To get the most from your e-learning experience you will need to be on your best behavior. Don't forget to have fun and make some great friends and build your network up, but you need to do it maturely and with good intentions. With a little thought before you write, you'll find that others get a perfect snapshot of your personality just as easily!