The document provides information about netiquette rules and learning styles for online students. It discusses the top 10 netiquette rules for online education, including avoiding texting language, using appropriate fonts and language, and being polite. It also defines the three main learning styles - auditory, visual, and kinesthetic - and gives examples of how online classes incorporate activities and materials to support each style. Finally, it advertises upcoming topics on stress management for future group tutoring sessions.

1. Welcome to Group Tutoring: Week 8 (Full) / Week 2 (Mini)
Presenter:
Brian C. Steinberg, Program Lead: Lifeskills
Students will be receiving a survey about their tutoring experience.

2. 2
Week 2 Mini Topic: Netiquette and Learning Style
Top 10 Netiquette Rules in Online Education:
http://www.associatedegreeonline.com/2011/09/top-10-netiquette-rules-in-online-education-part-one1-5
Have you ever heard of the term netiquette? It is a newer term used to describe proper etiquette to communicate online which directly applies
and relates to online education and classes. Many online institutions have set netiquette rules and regulations that you must use in order to be a
successful online student. Do you know where to find your individual institutions netiquette rules? Please share them with me via Twitter. My
Twitter name is: onlinefac
Here is part one of the Top Ten 10 Netiquette Rules that I recommend all online students should always use no matter what. Part 1 focuses on 1-
5. Part 2 will focus on 6-10.
1. Texting Language- While it may be okay to use texting language (lol, u, omg, brb, gr8, etc.) on your cell phone, Facebook, and or Twitter, it
has no place in an academic online course. Not in your online graded discussions, assignments, or even when communicating with your online
professor or even fellow online students.
2. ALL CAPS- In the online world and in online classes, writing in ALL CAPS is considered yelling and or shouting and should rarely ever be used.
Can you think of when it can/should be used?
3. Fonts-Some online institutions will allow you to pick and choose which fonts style you want to use in the discussions, some won’t. Even if they
let you choose a font, it is always proper netiquette to use fonts such as Times News Roman and Arial. This is also following APA Format which I
discussed in a previous blog post. Fonts such as Comic Sans MS, AR Darling, and many others may not be appropriate and not be good
netiquette. Also, you should use the proper size font which is usually around 10-12 point. Anything more or less is often considered poor
netiquette. Also, it should be readable, short, and to the point, and not one giant page of eye hurting text.
4. Language- One should always use professional and positive language when communicating online and in online classes. Any profanity and
other offensive language should NEVER be used (see this is how you can use ALL CAPS correctly using good netiquette). One should also be very
careful of how they use humor and sarcasm online because it can often be taken the wrong way. Also, you should never write anything you are
not willing to say in person. Would you allow your grandmother to read it? That is a question you should always ask yourself when posting online.
5. Colors and Bold Face Type- For the most part you should basically stick to black and only use certain colors sparingly to make a certain
word stick out in an online discussion. The same with using a bold font. But, in your assignments, APA Format does not allow different color text.

3. 3
Week 2 Mini Topic: Netiquette and Learning Style
Top 10 Netiquette Rules in Online Education Continued:
6. Basic Spelling and Grammar- Online students should always remember no one can physically see them and that everything you write and post
creates your online reputation. Bad spelling and grammar accounts for poor netiquette so please remember to always check for any spelling and
grammar errors. It is always good to make your discussion posting in MS Word first and then copy and paste it over to the online class. Some online
classes have spell checkers built right into it to help you check and will underline in red any misspelled words. Some online professors will take off grade
points for poor spelling and grammar as well as not properly using APA Format as discussed in a previous blog post. Always be sure to proof read your
work! You can check out my previous blog post entitled: “Top 10 Mistakes Online Students Make” for more information on this.
7. Don’t be a Troll!- A troll is someone online or in an online course that responds to every single post and tries to draw the attention to them all the
time. They also may try to start fights all the time and become a real “online problem student.” They often will try to hijack each thread in the online
class and cause flame wars in the class. If you observe students like this in your class it is best to ignore them and just make sure your online professor
is aware of this behavior. The last thing you need is to fuel the fire and cause an entire course “blow up.” I actually have presented many Webinars on
how to deal with such “online problem students.” Here is a link to one such Webinar:http://ednak.com/bsteiny.html. Here is a link to just the MS
PowerPoint slides: http://briancsteinberg.com/Documents/Cultural%20Diversity%20Webinar%20for%20ednak.pptx
8.Don’t Abuse Emoticons- Emoticons are smiley faces and other online characters. It might be good to use these in the discussions every once in a
while to show that you made a joke. Some online professors discourage this. Emoticons should never be used in an academic assignment. It is obviously
not part of APA Format!
9.Never Discriminate!- Most online institutions have strict policies on any kind of harassment or discrimination based on racism, sexism, or
homophobia. You might not agree on certain issues, but you can always agree to disagree and move on. Also, it is always important to support all of your
ideas and opinions with documented research and facts. Don’t forget to cite and paraphrase them using APA Format. This leads to good discussions and
overall learning. Respect confidentiality!
10.Be Polite- The golden rule should apply in your online classes as well as you should treat everyone how you would like to be treated. You may even
want to take this one step further to the platinum rule which is treating everyone how they would like to be treated. Being more forgiving is also very
important as well as always having a positive welcoming tone. And finally, it is always good to respond to people by name so it is clear who you are trying
to communicate with. Is it one student? A few students? The entire online class?

4. 4
Week 2 Mini Topic: Netiquette and Learning Style
Netiquette Resources:
Want more on netiquette? Want to test your knowledge? Here is a great quiz from
Albion:http://www.albion.com/netiquette/netiquiz.html
Here are some great resources on netiquette:
The Core Rules of Netiquette: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Netiquette (On-Line Etiquette): Tips for Adults and Teens: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter!
Technology……..and more: http://www.amazon.com/NETiquette-Line-Etiquette-Facebook-
Terminology/dp/1615823174
Netiquette 101 for new
netizens:http://www.microsoft.com/hk/athome/security/online/netiquette.mspx
LSC Online Course Netiquette Guidelines: http://blogs.lsc.edu/expectations/netiquette-
guidelines/
The University of Phoenix on
Netiquette:http://www.phoenix.edu/students/online_communities/netiquette.html
You can even follow College Netiquette on Twitter:
@UniversityRules https://twitter.com/#!/UniversityRules

5. 5
Week 2 Mini Topic: Netiquette and Learning Style
Learning Style:0
http://www.associatedegreeonline.com/2011/11/online-classes-and-learning-style
Do you know what your learning style is?
Knowing how you learn and what your individual learning style is can be very beneficial to you as an online learner. There are three basic learning
styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Most online education, classes, and learning favors the visual learning style, but many instructors and
classes are creative in using the other two types of learning styles to engage you as a learner.
Here is a great website that helps you identify your own learning style:http://www.ldpride.net/learning-style-test.html
Here is a definition of the three different types of learning styles and some of the ways I incorporate them into my online classes to increase
online student learning and success. You will find your online instructors to do similar things in your online classes to help you learn as well.
a) Auditory Learning Style- Learn by hearing and listening. These types of learners would be most successful in attending lectures. I often use
written lectures, lecture transcripts, and audio podcasts to meet the needs of these learners. Also, live chats and live WebEx Meetings can be
used to meet the needs of these learners.
b) Visual Learning Style- Learn by viewing pictures, images, and graphics. These types of learners would be most successful by watching
interactive videos. In some of my online courses I present both live and recorded lectures. I also refer to and post many YouTube videos, Web
sites, diagrams, PowerPoint Presentations, pictures, and images directly relating to the course objectives. eBooks can also help visual learners.
c) Kinesthetic Learning Style- Learn by moving and doing. These types of learners would be most successful conducting lab experiments. I mostly
use simulations and interactive activities to meet the needs of these learners. I also require my students to interview leaders in their community
for certain course projects which meets the needs of these learners. I have also used case studies, group/team work, role playing, live debates,
and group presentations. I am sure more virtual reality and hologram technology will only add to this learning style in the future.
And finally, the key here with learning style is to make sure you are familiar with all three types in your online classes. This will assure
you are using your overall critical thinking skills and learning how to solve real world problems.

6. 6
Week 8 Full Topic: Stress Management
How do we successfully deal with stress?
Managing Stress: A Guide for College Students
Stress Management: A Wellness Lifestyle Approach
Stress is a part of life, but the healthier you are, the better able you are to manage stress when it happens. Chronic stress can impact your immune
system, which lowers your resistance to getting sick. Approaching stress management from a wellness lifestyle approach can give you "money in the
bank" when it comes to preventing stress, and can give you the energy you need to handle stress when it happens. The following components are part
of a wellness lifestyle approach.
Attitude:
"Attitude is everything." What does that mean? The way you think about things can make all the difference in how you react to events. In this section,
we explore how you can change the way you think in order to reduce stress.
Healthy Eating:
Good nutrition and healthy eating habits can help you through your stressful times now, not just prevent a heart attack 30 years down the road. Eating
well will increase your physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Fueling yourself with nutrient dense foods can boost your immune system, help you
maintain a healthy weight and help you feel better about yourself. Check out the Healthy Eating section for a quick diet assessment and ideas on how
to fuel yourself better.
Physical Activity:
Physical activity provides immediate stress relief as well as long-term stress management. Just 20-30 minutes of walking a day, for example, can give
you more energy, help you put things in perspective, improve your sleep, sharpen your mental productivity, and boost your self-confidence. Our bodies
are made to move and everyone can find some type of activity that is enjoyable.
Relaxing Your Mind and Body:
There are a number of relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress and also improve your concentration, productivity and overall well-being.

7. 7
Week 8 Full Topic: Stress Management
How do we successfully deal with stress (Continued)?
Sleep:
Consistent sleep is critical for a healthy life. Although we all need varying amounts of sleep, if we do not get enough sleep, everything from our immune
system to our ability to learn and remember information will be negatively affected. Sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise when preparing for
peak performance.
Healthy Relationships:
Changes in relationships can be a source of stress for many students, as can feeling socially isolated. At the same time, talking with a supportive friend or
family member can be helpful in coping with stress. This section emphasizes conflict resolution for stress management.
Time Management:
Sometimes all the things we have to do can seem overwhelming and impossible to accomplish. Learning how to be a good time manager is a skill that
you can use throughout your life, which can make work, play and studying more manageable, more productive and less stressful. Learn about the ABCs
of time management.
Alcohol and Other Drugs:
Alcohol and other drug use can lead to many problems that can add stress to our lives. High-risk use can lead to poor decision-making, impaired abstract
thinking, injury and legal problems. By understanding your overall risks, you can make healthier choices.
Tobacco:
Tobacco can impact your sleep, ability to fight infection and overall health. These issues can create stressful situations. Tobacco use by some, however,
is seen as a stress reducer. In order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, it is important to learn strategies to deal with stressors and to understand that quitting
tobacco use takes time and practice.
Money Management:
When you consider that the average credit card debt of an undergrad is $2,748, it's no wonder why finances are a common stressor for college students.
This section offers tips on money management and credit card use.
Spirituality:
Spirituality means finding personal meaning in your life; it doesn't mean just following a particular religious dogma. This section describes how exploring
spirituality may be helpful in managing stress.