The Dos and Don’ts of Online Student Communication


Dos and Don’ts of Online Student Communication

By Caitlin Tucker

Strategies for Creating and Maintaining a Safe Space:

  • Use each other’s names. Using a person’s name when you respond to his/her postings creates a friendly online tone.
  • Read questions and conversational postings carefully to avoid unnecessary confusion.
  • Compliment your peers when they post strong responses or contribute original ideas.
  • Ask questions. If anything is unclear or you want further information or insight on a topic, just ask. If you have a question, there are probably other members of the group who are confused and need further clarification as well.
  • Be considerate. Remember that your peers cannot see your body language or hear your tone of voice, so you need to keep your language direct and respectful.
  • Avoid slang, jargon, and sarcasm.
  • Listen to all ideas presented. Remember there is no right or wrong in a discussion. A variety of perspectives add depth.
  • Stay open minded.  
  • Respond instead of reacting. Do not write a response if you are angry or upset. Instead, wait until you have had time to calm down and collect your thoughts.
  • Really read your peers’ responses. Avoid skimming. Respect the time your peers have spent articulating their thoughts by reading carefully and thoughtfully.
  • Reread your messages before sending them to ensure that your ideas are clearly communicated and supported.
  • Critique the content, not the person.
  • Do not present your personal opinions as fact. Back up your ideas with information to strengthen your statements.
  • Courteously answer all questions addressed directly to you.
  • Make I statements when respectfully disagreeing. Sharing an opposing opinion or idea is an important part of discussion, but it needs to be presented in constructive manner that encourages further discussion.
  • Do not use all caps when writing. It is interpreted as yelling.
  • Avoid emotional punctuation, like exclamation points, unless you are complimenting an idea shared.

Strong Sentence Starters for Online Communication: 

Rebecca’s comment made me think about…

Although Zach made a strong point that_________________________, I think…

I respectfully disagree with Lawrence’s assertion…

I really appreciate Deborah’s insight into…

Thank you, Manuel, for sharing…

I had not thought about Leigh’s point that…

Great point, Imani! Have you considered…

Even though Katie’s point is valid, I tend to…

Building on Dustin’s statement that…

In contrast to Michelle’s point…

Brady highlighted some key ideas when he said…

Caitlin, can you clarify your statement that______________________________?

Carmen, your posting reminded me of…

Lucy’s observation that ________________________ reflects…

Given what you know about___________________________ George, what are your thoughts on_____________________________?

Marcella, do you agree (or disagree) with…?

Robin, how would you define…?