Week 1: Ethics in Online Discussion

As part of the e-learning that I am currently attending, I have to join discussion on class using www.nicenet.org. I am so happy that I have many friends from various cultures and nationalities. In the cyber class, we can share and talk to each other just like in a 'real' classroom. What I like the most from the forum is that our learning facilitators, including Donna, has provided a set of ground rules for discussion.

source: http://www.brownaviationlease.com/blog/bid/86154/Now-Live-Resource-Discussion-Center-For-Flight-Training-Industry

Based on my experience, many people did not really pay attention to the ethics in discussion. I have seen people saying rude words, arguing with no respect, saying discriminative things about race, religion, nationality, and so on. It is very important to bear in our mind that Internet is just like the real world. We need to follow rules and to respect other people. Besides, the communication should also be very clear in order to avoid miscommunication. Using slang or abbreviation probably will be okay with your friends, but in a much larger forum with people from many different background, it is much better to use a clear, polite and respectful words.