Style and Etiquette of
Distance Learning
May 6, 2009
Barbara A. Frey, D.Ed.
Senior Instructional Designer
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Agenda
 Discuss style and presence in video
presentations
 Critique various colors and backgrounds
in video recordings
 Apply etiquette standards to email, chat,
and discussion board communication
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Video Style Considerations
 Plan and record with a clear purpose
 Determine viewer needs and equipment
 Use best equipment and lighting
available
 Present with a professional delivery style
 Present with an engaging, first-person
interactive style
 Be aware of your clothing, background,
and visual presence
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

NO YES
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

NO YES
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Overcoming Anxiety
 Plan, test, and practice
 Watch examples and know what you
want to achieve
 Know your strengths and weaknesses
 Make friends with your camera operator
 Accept that some mistakes are natural
 Take a deep breath
 Invite an audience for interaction
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

What Not To Do
http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu/mediasite/viewer/Vie http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu/mediasite/viewer/Vi
wers/Viewer240TL.aspx?mode=Default&peid=ca9 ewers/Viewer240TL.aspx?mode=Default&peid=b
6ad44-6cd4-47a2-8568- 5e0a553-b743-4c34-a235-
dbc64d4207c4&pid=acb6715f-8b00-4ccc-a808- 00f641c4a2ae&pid=65e800c5-9142-4561-bd87-
dae3726b6fe2&playerType=Port25 ffe6e198368f&playerType=Port25
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

What Not To Do
http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu/mediasite/viewer/Viewers/Viewer240TL.aspx?mode=Default&pei
d=35f84f96-9d7c-4604-8a31-2d8284cc6628&pid=e474dbdc-00aa-4b1f-865d-
13b7c061b96d&playerType=WM7
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Social Presence
 Is the feeling of connection to others in
an online environment
 Includes
words, actions, responsiveness, commu
nication style, intelligence, off-topic
exchanges, and humor
 Builds trust and community of learners
 Relates to students
learning, motivation, satisfaction, and
retention Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Social Presence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqPqO4
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Teaching Presence
 Is instructor’s presence through the design,
facilitation, and management of the course
 Is communicated with the instructor in a
“guide on the side” presence
 Examples
– responding in timely manner
– modeling desired behavior
– providing encouragement
– giving specific feedback
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Levels of Social Presence
_____ Video conferencing
_____ Asynchronous discussion or
Discussion board
_____ Email
_____ Synchronous text or Chat
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Online Etiquette
 Consider your audience and purpose
 Share your communication preferences
and schedule
 Respond to email and discussion
postings in a timely manner
 Share stories and examples from your
experience or research
 Use appropriate humor
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Online Etiquette (cont)
 Strive to build community and positive
relationships
 Summarize seek points in discussion or
assign a student facilitator/summarizer
 Use students names in your messages
 Develop an informal, animated style
such as #&*$! or WOW!!! or 
 AVOID USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Online Etiquette (cont)
• Use clear and specific
Use
subject lines
• Consider subject lines
as advanced
organizers
• Be aware of “quiet”
students when
etiquette is breached
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

Conclusion
 Plan according to your purpose for using
video, email, and online discussions
 Consider social and teaching presence
as critical factors in your online teaching
 Share your expectations and provide
students with a netiquette guide
 Model the etiquette and communication
style that you want students to use
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education

QUESTIONS?
Barbara Frey
bafrey@pitt.edu
Center for Instructional Development &
Distance Education