March 11, 2022, Online etiquette which students should follow..

This write-up is contributed by Mr. Sugato Roy.

Online etiquette which students should follow ..

If there is one word today that is almost indispensable for the young and old, student or retired,  urban, cosmopolitan or rural, the word is online. Online, has become more of a rage, especially during these two years of the pandemic when everyone advocated for contactless transactions. Everything under the sun is almost possible now online. You can order food, garments, vegetables, groceries, books, flowers, gifts,  and successfully perform financial transactions too. The virtual meeting and classes have become the orders of the day. Form filling for exams whether in educational institutions or competitive ones can be done online now.   Online will therefore grow rapidly in the coming years and is going to stay here.

Since online is almost a part and parcel of our lives now, the students must strictly adhere to certain norms, regulations and etiquette so that their activities are not unpleasant and distasteful to other net users, fellow students and tutors. Good cyber behaviour is very significant and netiquette, the term coined for online etiquette needs to be strictly pursued.

Let us focus on certain key netiquettes which students must value, observe and maintain –

Checking emails regularly – Emails are the unrivalled and the fastest modes of communication now. Link to virtual meetings, special classes and lectures, assignments, important notes, syllabi, any form of notices and online mock test questions or any important schedules are mailed to the students. All the students should ensure that they check their mailboxes at least thrice daily so that they do not miss out on important communications.

Maintenance of punctuality — Now with all education institutes open, the students as a part of the discipline should report to the institutes right on time and should be punctual. The same applies to the hybrid sessions of classes too. If one is attending classes in the online mode, he should log in at the exact time as asked for, as if he is physically attending the classes. This also will prove how much the student is mentally involved with the class and how respectful he is about the concerned teacher.

Never encroach on anyone’s privacy – This is a very important aspect. Normally the students have online bonhomie amongst each other, exchange pleasantries and notes along with goodwill messages. Some exceptions are there when these elements try to delve more and dig into the personal lives of their fellow students. This should meticulously be avoided at any cost unless the two pupils are known to each other individually.

Proper place and workstation – Choosing an ideal place for the online classes are very important as the ambience of the study space contributes a lot as to how effective the student can follow the lessons. The area should be neat with no distractions at all.  Any unwanted sound that can be disturbing should be avoided at all costs. The background should have a corporate sleek look and be unadorned.

Proper dress code should be maintained — No casual dresses should be worn during online lectures and classes. Proper dress code with formal dresses preferably the prescribed uniform or official dress should be used.

Participate but involve oneself with humbleness – Participation is very essential even for an online class but one must be very careful in dealing with all the situations. One should avoid being discourteous not to interrupt the lecture session, not to be overriding unless the situation arises, or one is asked to be the main participant. One should also be very careful about the usages of words and languages and be careful not to hurt other people’s sentiments. Do ask questions when asked for.

Be very careful about the languages – One of the primary aspects of online etiquette is the usage of languages. Students should carefully ensure that in no way inappropriate and obnoxious language is used which can cause acute mental distress to other participants. One should also be careful not to vent anger and frustration online. Proper usages of typestyle and fonts including messages in ALL CAPS or normal upper and lower cases should be prudently followed.

Never forward any such post that maligns the dignity of fellow citizens, especially women. Just delete them ASAP.

GRADUATE FROM ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE AND POST GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA, SPECIALISING IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT.  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OF 24 YEARS IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY.  HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR  LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY MANAGEMENT.

<<Online etiquette which students should follow ..