In online courses students and instructors can interact and share information though email messages or by posting to threaded discussion boards.

Basic guidelines for electronic class correspondence

1. Post discussions regularly.
2. Write a sufficient amount with each posting.
3. Use a subject line that both accurately identifies (and, if appropriate, continues) a thread in the discussion and also provokes interest.
4. Relate what you say directly to class readings or discussions, to events dealing with workplace communication, and/or to another student's posting.
5. Take a stand or position. The posting is not simply a summary; it's an argument about some aspect of communication in the workplace. You have opinions. Express them-professionally and clearly.
6. Be able to support the points you make with examples or evidence from readings and/or from your own professional experience.
7. Avoid criticism that doesn't also pose alternatives or suggestions. In other words, avoid the slash-and-burn approach, preferring instead an approach that notes disagreements or problems but also addresses ways to deal with them. Arguing with someone doesn't mean insulting the person.
8. Solicit reactions or responses by posing questions or suggesting that you'd like to hear the perspectives of others.
9. Be respectful of others' perspectives, even when you disagree with them, even when you believe they are wrong.
10. Maintain professional standards of spelling, mechanics, and grammar in your postings.

Guidelines prepared by: Rebecca E. Burnett, Ph.D.
Professor, Rhetoric & Professional Communication
Director of Advanced Writing
Editor, Journal of Business & Technical Communication
Department of English
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1201 USA
phone voice & messages 515-294-5654
fax 515-294-6814
email: rburnett@iastate.edu

---

eLearner main page
What are the benefits? | Is it for me? | What skills do I need? | Is my computer ready?
What campus resources are available? | What can ISU do to support eLearners?