20 Online Education Tips

Online Education is not Instant Messaging, so mind your language!

Online education is just as serious as on-campus education. Everyone's goal should be to get the most out of a course, do their best with the assigned projects, obtain their degrees or diplomas, and while doing so treat others with respect whether offline or online. Unfortunately, one of the downfalls of the internet is anonymity. For some reason, people think it is totally acceptable to be rude and downright nasty because others cannot see them. Vulgarity is rampant, and snide remarks are the status quo. Plus, the internet has developed a language or lingo all its own. And while this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does have its place, and should be used in the proper setting. Education is not one of these places. Hence, online education is not instant messaging, so we ask that you mind your language.

Right now, there are many expressions that have crept into everyday language, and that are gaining more acceptance. One of these is "WTF". Agreeably, it does not look too bad when written as such, but the reality is this is a swear word. And a vulgar one at that. It might be acceptable to use for a couple friends shooting the breeze, but it has no place in the online classroom. Very few people would think about walking into a campus classroom and blurting the question outloud for everyone to hear. It really reverberates in a physical room. Plus, how ironic that you are there to learn, but you choose to speak with such abominable language?

Moreover, when addressing others on Instant Messaging, you have no idea of their backgrounds or personalities. It is quite possible that they have no clue what you are trying to express with all your abbreviations. More importantly, you do not know enough about your peers and your teachers to know what constitutes offensive material. You really want to be part of the group, and the best way to get yourself kicked out or ostracized is with foul language. Even written, it sounds bad to the ears.

On the other hand, you do not need to talk as though you are writing your thesis online. Of course, when submitting assignments, you will use your best grammar and university-style words, but they are not necessary when instant messaging. Keep in mind this depends on the type of degree you are going after too. Students studying for the high-end online mba degrees are expected to be much more formal than people going for a nursing degree...

It is perfectly acceptable to use shorter words and sentences, but refrain from using trash language and derogatory expressions. Really and truly, online education is not instant messaging, so please mind your language!