Periodic Fable

In my e-moderating courses recently we have been discussing whether or not ground rules are necessary to manage student expectations.

I’m a great believer in groundrules: I think people like to know where they stand, and if expectations are made clear at the beginning, then it is easier to manage complaints or disagreements at a later date.

Here’s an example:

Students are expected to:

• have the basic technical requirements to access the course (tech requirements re type of computers, operating system and software are given in advance and are as wide as is possible, but if the system doesn’t work on Vista, for example, that is made clear before people sign up)
• commit themselves to doing the work required for the course within the timeframe specified
• give feedback to at least two other members of the class (…in each e-tivity – or this expectation can be made clear in each e-tivity)
• take an active part in the online discussion board at least three times per week
• participate in evaluation and feedback schemes where required
• hand in assignments on time. Late assignments will be accepted only at the discretion of the tutor and only in exceptional circumstances.
• abide by our code of conduct (see below)

Students can expect tutors to:

• log on to the discussion boards several times a week and be regularly available by email or chat
• respond to queries and posts within a stated time (usually 2 working days)
• provide course material on time
• set each assignment at least a week before its due date
• provide quality course materials which fulfil the stated aims for each course (OK so that one’s a bit woolly!)

Copyright statement

Students are expected to be aware of the restrictions of copyright and not to breach the copyright of any other student, writer of printed materials, or source on the web. All posted materials remain the copyright of the person posting. Material posted on the discussion boards must not be quoted outside the course without prior permission from the originator.

The teaching environment is private to students and writing posted within your course is available ONLY to students and tutors of that course. It does not constitute publication nor will the material be available on the web permanently.

Example Code of Conduct

This one was developed by the trAce Online Writing Centre community:

trAce exists to connect writers and readers around the world in real and
virtual space. As a professional and social online community, as well as a
learning environment, for writers, readers and other artists, and in support of
its purpose, the trAce Online Writing Centre has adopted three general governing
principles:

1. Principle of Tolerance

We are people of many nationalities, ages, cultures and artistic persuasions. We ask that everyone act with respect for others and recognize that effort may be necessary to avoid misunderstandings rising out of our differences.

2. Principle of Artistic and Intellectual Freedom

We are committed to:
a) supporting artistic practice across its entire range
b) recognising such practice as a basic means of expression
c) regarding as fundamental our protection and promotion of the artistic and intellectual freedom of the artists with whom we work.

3. Principle of Responsible Behaviour

We share not only a common sector of cyberspace but also resources, which are provided through real-life support, effort and funding and which are finite. Responsible behaviour is defined as that which conforms to netiquette standards and which does not interfere in the access and use of trAce resources.

The above principles were drafted by a representative group of trAce
users in May 2000 and are supported by the organisation as a whole.