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• Use proper grammar, and avoid using slang. Be clear in communication. 

• Use a respectful tone. If someone says something that doesn’t come across well, ask for clarification before assuming the worst.

• Establish ground rules, and remind learners that they want to call their colleagues into dialogue rather than calling them out or cancelling them.

• Discussion Boards - Provide prompting questions; establish length of post in word count; indicate the number of posts to which learners should respond; provide timelines and deadlines.

• Email - Address people as they would like. The instructor should be addressed as “Dr. M” or “Instructor Q.” Focus emails on one question or topic. 

• Live Sessions - Learners should login a few minutes prior to the start of the session to ensure that their connection and equipment work properly. Set the microphone to Mute when not speaking. Wear appropriate clothing. Use professional language: no swearing, no name-calling.