As a module coordinator/lecturer you should inform students how your virtual classroom sessions will run, what platform you are using, how they can access it and if it will be recorded.  In addition, you should advise students what they will be expected to do to prepare for your online class. You may find useful to share the following guidelines with students to assist them in preparation for virtual sessions or online meetings:

Preparation:

• Sit in a quiet space so you can concentrate, and minimise all distractions around you.
• Use headphones if possible as this provides better audio quality. 
• Ensure you are dressed appropriately, as you would dress for a face-to-face class.
• Be on time. 
• Prior to the session, check your technical setup and internet connection. Make sure you have tested your microphone, speakers and camera before the class is due to start and that you are using an up to date browser. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for connecting to virtual classroom sessions.
• Use your real name (i.e. first and last name) when joining the virtual classroom/online meeting if this is not automatic.
• In advance of attending the virtual classroom, complete any homework, readings or learning activities as directed by your module coordinator so you can fully participate.

As a module coordinator/lecturer you should inform students how you expect them to participate and interact with you and their peers in the virtual classroom. You should establish protocols with your students to include the use of audio, video and how they will ask questions. These should also encourage the use of interactive features (where applicable) i.e. polling, use of chat box, whiteboard and breakout rooms (for group work). You may find useful to share the following guidelines with your students to assist them in participating effectively in virtual classes or online meetings:

Participation:

• Your lecturer will advise you whether your audio and video should be switched on or off during a session and how you are expected to participate in the virtual classroom and interact with your peers.
• Mute your microphone, unless you are speaking. This helps reduce background noise, and makes it easier for everyone to hear.
• Keep your camera off, unless you are speaking or your lecturer has advised you to leave it on for participating in group work/breakout rooms. Turning the camera off helps to reduce the bandwidth needed to run the virtual classroom.
• If your lecturer has enabled it, click the ‘raise hand’ icon if you have a question or comment. This lets your lecturer know you wish to speak and when directed you can unmute your microphone.
• If your lecturer has enabled it, you can also type comments or questions that can be seen by everyone in the ‘chat box’
• Ask questions and interact as much as possible. If there are group activities (in breakout rooms) to be successful you need to fully participate with your peers as directed by your lecturer.
• Don’t use other applications not relevant to class on your device during class time (e.g. social media, games or chat apps).
• During a session, if you need to step away for a few minutes indicate you are doing that.

Further information

• Guidelines for Faculty Using the Virtual Classroom
• Guidelines for Students Using the Virtual Classroom
• Teaching Online with Zoom
  
  

The following are some netiquette guidelines that you may find useful to share with your students to assist them participating in discussion forums or online text chat:

• Before you post, consider the instructions you have received from your module coordinator i.e. what are the requirements, to create a new post or reply to existing thread, is there a time frame that you are expected to post within.
• Before you post, read other posts, check if one of your peers have already asked the question and received a reply.
• Stay on topic, do not post irrelevant comments or links.
• Be brief, write succinctly, if you write long responses they might not be read.
• Don’t write anything sarcastic and be careful with the use of humour, without hearing your tone this can be easily misinterpreted.
• Avoid using CAPS, as online this may be perceived as ‘shouting’ or that you are angry.
• Respect the opinions of your peers, if you disagree do so respectfully explaining why and provide evidence to support your point.
• If you wish to refer to something one of your peers has said quote a few lines from their post so others know what you are referring to
• Run a spelling and grammar check before posting, always write using complete words and sentences.

Further Information: 

• Creating and Managing Discussions Forums in Brightspace

The following are some netiquette guidelines that you may find useful to share with your students to assist them utilising email effectively:

• If you receive an email or message from a UCD staff member, make sure to read it carefully and follow up or respond if requested.
• When emailing staff, ensure you always use your UCD connect email. Include your student ID, full name and preferred name, and your programme/module.
• If your module coordinator has provided an FAQs online forum for the  module consider if it is appropriate to post there rather than emailing your lecturer directly. If your query is specific to your module make sure you check first the module information and FAQs forum in case this information is already available.

Further information

• Communicating Effectively in Brightspace