Online, Zoom & Live Chat Etiquette

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s 

• Ask probing questions
• Cite sources when possible
• Explain reasoning
• Use constructive criticism
• Speak respectfully
• Lead with a positive remark before critiquing

Don’ts

• Respond emotionally
• Use obscenities
• Respond informally (i.e. acronyms or slang)
• Get off topic
• “Say” anything you would not say in person
• Forget to engage, or engage too late

How to be Social Online

• Reach out to another student in the course to have someone to talk to about content or assignments
• Email the professor to engage with them
• Keep track of questions you had and schedule a Zoom meeting or video call to have virtual office hours with your professor (reach out as necessary)
• Build a connection with professor or classmates through actively participating when given the opportunity, i.e. forum discussions
• Have virtual study sessions and utilize group work opportunities (if applicable), using applications such as Google Docs can allow one to see edits in real time and work collectively 
• Utilize other resources listed under My Services or My Skills

Do’s

• Introduce yourself if unfamiliar with some of the participants
• Mute microphone when not speaking to minimize background noise and distractions
• Dress appropriately
• Be courteous by focusing on the speaker and listening intently
• Maintain eye contact by looking through the lens or at the person speaking
• Speak clearly
• Keep body movements minimal, but gesture naturally
• Choose an appropriate location and be mindful of your environment
• Position camera properly, if possible, at eye level to create a direct sense of engagement

Don’ts

• Interrupt other participants
• Multi-tasking (as it can be distracting, and you may not retain the information from the meeting or lecture)
• Shout while speaking
• Carry on side conversations or chats that may be distracting or inappropriate 
• Overuse the chat box, only utilize for questions, sharing of relevant information, or asking for an opportunity to speak
• Cover microphone or camera (use the icons located at the bottom if you must turn off either)
• Screen share unless asked to
• Make distracting noises or movements

References Consulted

University of Pittsburgh. Zoom Meetings: Etiquette and Best Practices. Retrieved from:
https://www.technology.pitt.edu/blog/zoom-tips

York University. Online Learning Protocol for York University Students. Retrieved from:
https://currentstudents.yorku.ca/technology-protocol-for-students