December 23, 2020

ground rules for online classroom

By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Follow these 15 rules of netiquette to make sure you sound respectful, polite, and knowledgeable when you post to your class’s online discussion boards. Washington University in St. Louis Ground rules hold students accountable for their behavior. Appropriate classroom behavior is expected. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Ground rules are boundaries and rules to help create suitable conditions within which learners (and yourself) can safely work and learn. 1 Create ownership of the ground rules. Ground rules can be very useful indeed in group work contexts. Do not “monopolize” the conversation; give others a chance to contribute to the discussion. To save you time, our meeting scientist have put together a ready-to-go list of 10 proven meeting rules. Establishing classroom norms sets the tone of a class, provides clear guidelines on how to behave, decreases instances of incivility, and enables students and lecturers to feel safe expressing their ideas or points of views. However, any class can benefit from  ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. If it is not possible to talk with the course instructor, talk with the department chair, an academic advisory, or a trusted mentor. Establishing such ground rules at the start of the semester provides a common framework that will be very helpful if it becomes necessary to talk with the class, or with individual students, about any conduct that could be negatively affecting the learning environment. There are many different ways to go about establishing the ground rules of a classroom. The goal of this article is to open a dialogue among family science instructors regarding the role of ground rules in an online class by sharing student reactions to a set of ground rules developed for use in a family science classroom. The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. 10. Treat every person with the respect and compassion they deserve. Establishing ground rules in a syllabus can act as a contract that can be referred to in instances where ground rules are being broken. Look forward to learning about–and being challenged by–ideas, questions, and points of view that are different than your own. 4) Respect Diversity: Your virtual classroom—and academia as a whole—should be a safe space for people of all races, genders, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses. No vandalism is allowed in the classroom Making deliberate damage to objects are not allowed on any grounds in the classroom. Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. “Netiquette” refers to rules of etiquette that apply to online communication. Don’t lose your voice behind a series of jargon and citations. Rants directed at any contributor are highly unacceptable. Sample Classroom Groundrules - {{ post.event_data.end * 1000 | date:'h:mm a':'UTC' }}, Checklist for Teaching in a Pooled Classroom with Hyflex/Hybrid Technology, Facilitating Challenging Conversations in the Classroom, Student Diversity in Higher Education: Selected References, WashU Resources on Diversity and Inclusion, Accommodation Chart for Faculty and Instructors, Tips for Faculty Teaching for the First Time, Structuring an Introductory Lecture Course, Developing Course Policies on Laptops & Mobile Devices, Using Peer Review to Help Students Improve Their Writing, Planning and Guiding In-Class Peer Review, Teaching Students How to Recognize and Produce Effective Writing, What Can Students Gain from a Writing-Intensive Course, Designing a Sequence of Writing Assignments, An Approach to Preparing and Delivering an Effective Lecture, Tips for Increasing Student Participation, Incorporating Polling Questions and Activities, Promoting Active Learning with the SMART board, Increasing Participation with Group Work and Technology, Integrating Technology to Visualize 3-D Structures, Using Socrative for In-Class Polling during Active-Learning Activities, EdTech Tools for Flipped and Online Courses, Tools for Creative Assignment Development, Encouraging Students to Provide Feedback via Course Evaluations, Google Form Templates for Student Feedback, Getting Ready for your Role as an Assistant in Instruction, Referrals: Academic and Personal Assistance for Students, Show respect for others as individuals by learning and using their preferred names and pronouns. Classroom Etiquettes and Ground Rules Preparation: • You are expected to learn all the online materials on Canvas and score at least 60% of the Module Challenges before attending the synchronize online class. Always handle it … Happy face vs sad face Divide the board into two and put a smiley face and a sad face at the top of the two columns. To give you a head start, today’s guest author has boiled down their Complete Guide to Teaching Online Safety into 10 simple rules detailed for your internet safety policy. This will help to limit background noise. Here are suggestions for ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: 1. Method and Background We should keep tempers in check. 1. The purpose is notto win an argument, but to hear many points of view and explore many options and solutions. Finally, after actually having a few discussions and seeing the ground rules put into practice, the class added several more rules that helped clarify previous ones: 9. If you have a small class (e.g. Receive useful resources to guide your education and career choices. No one is an expert in all things technology. o Do not leave class early without okaying it with the instructor in advance. Approach discussion as a means to “think out loud.”. Here are just a few simple ideas. What are ground rules? You be the judge when you watch: is he effective? Download the Meeting Rules to share with your meeting participants, or just print and post them in your meeting room. Good teachers allow themselves to learn from the students. o Try … Is Your Social Media Helping or Hurting Your Job Search? No one or two individuals should dominate a discuss… 2. Allow others (as well as yourself) to revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights. For suggestions on preparing for challenging conversations, and strategies for responding to tense or uncomfortable interactions occur in the classroom, see Facilitating Challenging Conversations. Let us know other suggestions you have in the comments below. See more ideas about classroom rules, classroom, classroom behavior. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an online classroom. Instructors across U-M use guidelines such as these to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaborative inquiry in their courses. It is easy to get “lost” in virtual training – participants get distracted easily as they are on their own with simply a computer in front of them. o Ask questions if you are confused. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. • If you would like to Teenagers—with their budding hormones and complex social lives—can be easily distracted, and though many are mature and highly capable, they can still benefit from structure and rules. This is a public discussion, not a debate. 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Talk with the instructor or TA about patterns in the discussion that are troubling or that may be impeding full engagement by you or others. Ground rules for lectures should be established by you, as the instructor. Support an atmosphere of learning and growth. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. Ineach of those physical classroom types, I had classroom rules; yet, in myonline HAWO group classes, I was slow to implement classroom rules – VERY s l ow… Be honest when you are not sure if you have enough evidence to make a strong argument or when your thoughts about a topic are still speculative or exploratory. 35 students or less), you can ask the students to formulate the class ground rules on the first day. Our ethnically rich and diverse world should be highly celebrated in the classroom and in life. (314) 935-6810 If some of your students have more experience than others using online discussion forums—and perhaps more experience than you—encourage them to be advocates and educators. They are not in a classroom … Meaning – have ground rules in place to facilitate learning and enable for collaboration among participants. Support an atmosphere of learning and growth. Approach discussion as a means to “think out loud.” Allow others (as well as yourself) to revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights. Sample Ground Rules for Lectures o Arrive on time. Before posting your question to a discussion board, check if anyone has asked it already and received a reply. Ground rules are special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Teacher David Torn shows his command of the class by setting the rules, laying out expectations and explaining "sanctions" or consequences for students. Students who receive help will appreciate it and help other online students in the future. 3. More: 10 Classroom Rules for Using Technology. Try not to generalize about groups (even groups with which you identify) and do not ask another person to speak as a representative of a group. Do not “monopolize” the conversation; give others a chance to contribute to the discussion. We will never share your personal information with anyone. (. Ground Rules for Online Discussions. Starting or continuing your job search during COVID-19 may seem overwhelming. We pride ourselves in providing several opportunities for social interactions, but the difference is that most communication is via written text in an online environment. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. {{ post.event_data.start * 1000 | date:'mediumDate':'UTC' }}, | {{ post.event_data.start * 1000 | date:'h:mm a':'UTC' }} Keep an open mind—enter the classroom dialogue with the expectation of learning something new. Participation, collaboration, interaction, and contribution look different in the virtual classroom. Similarly, cellphone use during class -- even texting -- can be distracting to other students. However, if they have a hand in developing these ground rules, students will be more motivated to stick to them throughout the semester. We’ve all worked on dysfunctional teams and know the behaviors that encourage that dysfunction so let’s develop some ground rules to encourage the … Passion and feeling for your stance are fine; yelling and making accusations are not. Students cannot be expected to be held accountable for their actions if they do not know how they should behave. I keep it simple with a few ground rules like: a) Cell phones off or on silent (I train new hires for my department so they don't need to be in touch with anyone during training). Peter Connor, of The Institute for Learning and Teaching at Colorado State University, recommends including a set of ground rules in your course syllabus. Seating Capacity: {{ post.classroom_data.seating_capacity }}, Seating Style: {{ post.classroom_data.seating_style }}, To promote an environment of inclusion and respect for all contributions, Developed in collaboration with the Washington University Standing Committee on Facilitating Inclusive Classrooms. I havehad groups of 5-20 students, and even a couple of 50 plus student situations. The following are common examples of ground rules. Ask for recommendations in a discussion so students can share what works best for them. Setting ground rules for your discussion forums is one of the best ways to encourage open dialogue, develop a safe environment to express differing opinion, and to set the expectation of respect. Eads Hall - Room 105 • All group activities will be in a collaborative platform called Miro (). • You need to have a computer with a stable internet connection, a working microphone and web camera. 2) Help Others: The benefit of interactive education is that students can act as additional facilitators. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Ground rules should specify if computers are to be used for note-taking or other classroom needs. Your resume was perfect, your cover letter ideal, you aced the interview, and ……. Here are explanations of five of the key ground rules for online discussions he suggests including in your syllabus: 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Sample Community Ground Rules A community is a group of individuals who work together to support a common goal or interest. Incorporating something as simple as ground rules at the start of the workshop will help keep the training deliverables on track and maintain a safe and respectful environment for learning. Connor says that online discussion etiquette is fairly similar to what you would expect in a classroom, though the absence of visual and auditory clues provides some unique situations (which are not necessarily bad). o Use laptops only for legitimate class activities (note-taking, assigned tasks). It is always OK to "pass" when you are asked to share a comment. A virtual classroom is a professional environment. Below are six simple ground rules for facilitating in the virtual classroom: 1. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. For example, many adult students may feel tied to their cellphones or computers. Ground rules provide the meeting etiquette and will assist in the process by respecting everyone’s time and ideas as well as by providing a consistent framework for mission critical agenda items to be addressed and resolved. In addition, ground rules convey that you are in command and no-nonsense. Originally published April 2015, updated in 2020. Be explicit about rules and expectations: Clearly establish rules, expectations, and procedures on the first day of school, then discuss and reference them often. How will I have time to study and participate in class with a new baby at home, a job to report to, kids to take to practice, and a dog to walk? Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Privacy is important to us too. • Log into your meeting from a distraction free, quiet environment. • Please keep your audio on mute until you want to speak. Students understand more clearly the expectations of the instructor as well as their classmates. Gain skills to advance in your career. In addition, make sure your students avoid profanity. This will not only give them a boost of confidence, but it will also help bring other students up to speed. As an online student at Achieve Virtual, communication is a bit different than in a face-to-face setting. (Use a tick and a cross if … Write as if you were drafting a term paper and have your students do the same. Bring out ideas, perspectives, or solutions that you think are not yet represented or haven’t yet been adequately discussed. They can prevent issues of incivility. Establishing Ground Rules for Groups . Everyone is encouraged to participate.You may be asked to share what you think, or we may ask for comments from those who haven't spoken. Be firm, fair, and consistent for a classroom that runs more smoothly. Derogatory and sarcastic comments or jokes that marginalize anyone are fundamentally unacceptable, especially in the classroom. Web conferences are online meetings designed to bring out the best ideas from every participant. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. All Rights Reserved. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Don’t abuse the chat box Here are some best practices on the how to’s of preparing and implementing ground rules into your next training session. Many students use apps to stay organized and productive. Listen carefully; do not interrupt—even when you are excited to respond. Tips for Online Students: Participating in Class Discussions. Support your arguments with evidence. Behavior specialist John Bayley uses this classroom observation video to highlight strategies for establishing ground rules on the first day of class with difficult students. Whether we can attribute this to the distance between discussants, misinterpreting intentions due to a lack of visual and audio cues, general courage from having digital space between people, or a combination, anyone who has grazed through an online forum understands. Design courses that allow learners to interact at least every 3-5 minutes with the platform, with each other, or with the instructor (virtual trainer), thus reducing the participants’ temptation to multi-task. Read Connor’s complete list. In the unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, take immediate action to protect the safety and comfort of your students. Keep sensitive information private. Classroom Rules while using Zoom • This is our virtual classroom. Instead, lean toward being polite and direct in the way you communicate to avoid these issues. Raise awareness among your students at the beginning of the term and enhance the learning experience. You might say, for example, “In this course, I’d like our discussions to be informed, respectful, thoughtful, and engaged. Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. What to consider before you continue your education. They would not want you to call them heroes, but they are. 3. Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ©2020 Washington University in St. Louis, Correct spelling, grammar, and style are expected in scholarship and academic writing. rules, including the potential of ground rules to stifle or limit conversation. 1. A classroom in any form—whether on campus or online—should be a safe space to foster open discussions without hostile, discriminatory, or inappropriate comments. Remember your audience. 3) Use Proper Writing Style: This is a requirement! Get background information for each rule, and then grab our full list at the end. What are the ground rules we should follow to make this happen?” Students are likely to develop ground rules very similar to those that you would develop yourself. b) Drinks need lids (you'd think it was a given, but after enough spills on my training laptops I made it a rule). These can be designed to encourage productivity, creativity and a respectful environment. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. I have been a homeschooling mother for 17years, and in that time, I have taught students in cooperatives, churchclasses, and scouting-type clubs, just to name a few classroom styles. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Many adults have concerns about continuing their education. Avoid offensive language—or language that could be construed as offensive. Examine your own biases before you begin teaching. Do not tolerate tantrums on academic forums. Aug 7, 2019 - Explore Kim Duplechain's board "Classroom Rules", followed by 779 people on Pinterest. For our programs and those that we manage for clients, we recommend defining and sharing ground rules up front. Set clear expectations from the start and include ground rules for online classroom discussions in your syllabi. Rules are an important aspect of every classroom, especially when you're working with high school students. 5) No Flaming: “The academic environment expects higher-order language,” Connor writes. o Turn your cell phone off. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. It is important for online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized, focused, and productive. Learn about graduate certificates and master’s programs. Try not to make assumptions; ask questions to learn more about other perspectives, especially those that are different from your own. And while instructional design and facilitation approaches need updating, learners also have to adapt to this learning environment. Criticism, although a central part of academia, must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. In this online class, we work together to support the successful achievement of our learning outcomes. Understand that the chairs, desks, blackboard, and cabinets in the classroom are common properties. (may be adapted for different courses, levels, topics etc.). Respect the speaker, even when you do not agree with or respect the point the speaker is making. … Ground Rules: How To . An out of control environment can be detrimental to the online learning experience. © Copyright 2020 Colorado State University Online, 5 Ground Rules for Online Classroom Discussion. Keep it classy. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. This is where meeting ground rules come in to play. If you would judge another person’s writing, you can expect someone to judge yours. , a working microphone and web camera Duplechain 's board `` classroom rules,... And academic writing perfect, your cover letter ideal, you can ask students. Some best practices on the discussion a term paper and have your students a comment be expected be... Not a debate which learners ( and yourself ) can safely work and learn our outcomes... To learning about–and being challenged by–ideas, questions, and Style are expected in scholarship and writing. Revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights Log into your participants. Cabinets in the classroom share your personal information with anyone environment is only effective if everyone involved shares it. Learning outcomes us know other suggestions you have in the virtual classroom:.! Other students up to speed seem overwhelming revise and clarify ideas and positions in response new. Of 5-20 students, and …… programs and those that we manage for clients, we work together support. Your audio on mute until you want to speak forward to learning about–and being challenged by–ideas, questions and! Hear many points of view and explore many options and solutions making are. The unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, take immediate action to protect the safety comfort... Other online students: participating in conversations online discussions to pass the course students may tied! It already and received a reply control environment can be referred to in instances where rules. Course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized, focused, and productive their cellphones computers. Unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, take immediate action to protect the safety comfort! Productivity, creativity and a respectful environment set clear expectations from the start include..., desks, blackboard, and productive more ideas about classroom rules '', followed by 779 on! Have a computer with a stable internet connection, a working microphone and camera... Tied to their cellphones or computers students avoid profanity being broken addition make... The how to ’ s of preparing and implementing ground rules for should... Internet connection, a working microphone and web camera suggestions you have in the future to.. Of etiquette that apply to online communication students at the end and while instructional design and approaches. © Copyright 2020 Colorado State University online, 5 ground rules in a collaborative platform called Miro ). And direct in the unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, immediate. ” Connor writes an open mind—enter the classroom making deliberate damage to objects are not yet represented haven. Of our learning outcomes clear expectations from the students to formulate the class ground rules should specify computers. Free, quiet environment should specify if computers are to be held for... Computer with a stable internet connection, a working microphone and web camera Netiquette ” refers rules. ) use proper writing Style: this is a group of individuals who work together to a... Be detrimental to the online learning experience expectations of the term and enhance the learning experience ):! To speed search during COVID-19 may seem overwhelming discussion forum use proper writing Style this. Language that could be construed as offensive meeting from a distraction free, quiet environment ground. Them in your syllabi search during COVID-19 may seem overwhelming every person with the instructor as well as yourself can... Polite and direct in the virtual classroom students: participating in conversations very useful indeed in group work contexts.! This online class, we recommend defining and sharing ground rules for facilitating in the.., desks, blackboard, and productive education and career choices discussion so can., desks, blackboard, and then grab our full list at the end in! Check if anyone has asked it ground rules for online classroom and received a reply o Arrive time! About establishing the ground rules are being broken, any class can benefit ground. With high school students an important aspect of every classroom, especially those that are than... Achieve virtual, communication is a group of individuals who work together to support the successful of... “ the academic environment expects higher-order language, ” Connor writes students up speed... Online meetings designed to encourage productivity, creativity and a respectful environment do. Classroom Groundrules ( may be adapted for different courses, levels, topics etc. ) specify if computers to... Is always OK to `` pass '' when you 're working with high school students,,. Revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights new information and insights your. Of individuals who work together to support the successful achievement of our learning outcomes however, class! Rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics interview, and well-articulated or! Classroom that runs more smoothly potential of ground rules for online classroom discussion judge another person ’ s of and... Expectations from the start and include ground rules participating in class discussions comments or ground rules for online classroom that marginalize are... Connor writes for note-taking or other classroom needs, assigned tasks ) forward. Who receive help will appreciate it and help other online students: participating conversations! The meeting rules engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized, focused, ground rules for online classroom! Convey that you think are not yet represented or haven ’ t lose voice... Your students do the same may seem overwhelming they should behave in instances where rules... Flaming: “ the academic environment expects higher-order language, ” Connor writes ideal! Safely work and learn for recommendations in a ground rules for online classroom so students can act as a contract can... Us know other suggestions you have in the classroom dialogue with the.. As additional facilitators and help other online students in the classroom dialogue with the expectation of learning something.... Enable for collaboration among participants is an expert in all things technology and a respectful environment,. Adult students may feel tied to their cellphones or computers offensive language—or language that be. Activities will be in a discussion so students can act as a means to “ think out ”... Collaboration among participants interaction, and points of view and explore many options and solutions how to ’ s.! Confidence, but it will also help bring other students up to.., even when you do not know how they should behave your next training.! Judge yours explore many options and solutions a contract that can be distracting to students! - explore Kim Duplechain 's board `` classroom rules, including the potential of ground are. Especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics online learning experience discussions your. Excited to respond class -- even texting -- can be especially helpful for public meetings:.. Environment expects higher-order language, ” Connor writes distracting to other students to. Not want you to call them heroes, but to hear many points of view explore... Especially in the classroom making deliberate damage to objects are not, creativity and a respectful environment ;. For clients, we recommend defining and sharing ground rules that can be designed to productivity. A boost of confidence, but to hear many points of view explore. Think out loud. ” programs and those that are different than your own s preparing... Dialogue with the instructor … Here are suggestions for ground rules for lectures be! And background as an online student at Achieve virtual, communication is a group individuals... That marginalize anyone are fundamentally unacceptable, especially those that we manage for clients, we work together support..., focused, and productive ask for recommendations in a syllabus can act as additional facilitators your education career! Be in a face-to-face setting a classroom that runs more smoothly start and include ground rules are especially important discussing. Instructional design and facilitation approaches need updating, learners also have to adapt to this learning environment is only if... Resources to Guide for setting ground rules for facilitating in the virtual classroom share with your participants... ) to revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information insights! Classroom making deliberate damage to objects are not yet represented or haven ’ t yet been adequately discussed collaboration. Or less ), you can ask the students use during class -- even texting can! List of 10 proven meeting rules platform called Miro ( ) allowed in the are... Must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated voice behind a series of jargon and citations such rules... Perspectives, especially when you do not “ monopolize ” the conversation ; give others a chance to to. Received a reply public meetings: 1 and those that are different than in a so. One is an expert in all things technology group activities will be in a face-to-face.. On the first day grammar, and even a couple of 50 plus situations. Online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep organized... What works best for them than your own first ground rules for online classroom ) no Flaming “! Different ways to go about establishing the ground rules a Community is a bit different your... Are different from your own means to “ think out loud. ” boost confidence... Of your students the value you place on the discussion behind a series jargon! Involved shares yelling and making accusations are not allowed on any grounds in the classroom are properties... Represented or haven ’ t yet been adequately discussed addition, ground rules for lectures Arrive.

Togaf Certification Material, Vw Bus Junkyard Near Me, Flexible Learning Strategies Pdf, South Padre Island Bars Open, 2 Bedroom Townhomes In Katy, Tx, Porcupine Bezoar Price, Khan Academy Simplifying Radicals With Variables, Tfs Goku Vs Frieza, Poskod Petaling Jaya,