Section 1 - Introduction and Welcome

It is important to communicate effectively face-to-face or online.  Generally, we know what is expected of us in our everyday lives with relatives, friends, significant others, and coworkers.  However, sometimes we  don't fully realize the impact of our words in cyberspace, perhaps because we cannot see the other person(s).  We always need to remember that at the other end of our keyboard, mouse, and monitor are people just like us.  Online communications go much more smoothly when everyone is treated with respect and consideration.  There's much to learn about being a good online citizen. Let's get started by reviewing the objectives of the course.

Objectives

Upon completion, you should be able to:

• Define netiquette terms and definitions
• Identify Web resources about Netiquette
• Explain the importance of Netiquette
• Compose effective and appropriate online communications
• Apply various protocols and de facto rules to online communication
• Analyze situations and find solutions to problems
• Discuss do's and don't's of online behavior

Tips for Using This Module

Here are a few tips on getting the most from this learning module.

First, on the left side of your screen you'll find a navigational index similar to a table of contents. Each of the items listed is a link to assignments and activities.

Follow these steps:

1. Link to the first topic on the navigation bar.
2. Read the information/short lecture for that topic.
3. If there are links to other Web sites, you should go to those links and review them.
4. Do the activities for the topic.
5. Complete the self-assessment quiz. Your answers will be graded automatically. The correct answer will be provided.  It is recommended that you reread some of the lecture material to better understand the correct answer.
6. Do the activities for the topic as assigned.
7. If this module is being facilitated by an instructor, participate in the discussions with other students taking this module.
8. Complete and submit the Online Feedback Form for the Module.
9. Then go to the next topic in the navigation bar and follow steps 2 through 8 again.

Web Resources

Throughout this course, you will be referred to numerous Web sites. You may want to bookmark the pages you find most helpful for future reference. In addition, you may discover new terms. If you are unsure of their definition or meaning, you can check one of these online technology dictionaries:

• Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Internet Terms Contains definitions of many computer terms.
  
  
• ComputerUser.com Contains a high-tech dictionary

Applying Your Critical Thinking Skills

In this module, you will need to question and analyze using your critical thinking skills. If you need a quick refresher on critical thinking, Longview Community College in Missouri has provided a page with numerous definitions and examples.

The goal of this module is to teach the techniques, rules, and guidelines for being a good online citizen.  Let's start by looking some free email providers and then answering some questions about the experience.  Click on Netiquette on the Course Menu, click on the icon for Assignments, scroll down and click on Netiquette #1. Follow the directions given for Netiquette Assignment 1

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