Five Online Etiquette Tips

Attending school online takes classroom correspondence to a whole new level. It’s important to follow the guidelines of proper online etiquette to ensure good communication between you, your classmates and your teachers.

1. Respect. Whether the class is online or on-site, respect is essential. It allows all involved parties to focus on the objective and prevents distracting disagreements. Be sure to use a polite tone, read before responding and be constructive with your criticism. It’s important to treat all online interactions the same as face-to-face interactions.
    
2. Use Proper Formatting, Punctuation and Grammar. Though online communication is still new, the same rules of English apply in a classroom setting. Capitalize letters when necessary, use appropriate punctuation and avoid using slang and abbreviations. You’ll not only make your posts easier to read; you’ll demonstrate your professionalism and personal value.
3. Be Honest. Because tone is difficult to convey online, sarcasm or humor can easily be misinterpreted. Though you may be tempted to joke around with your classmates, something written for a laugh may offend others. If you are unsure whether your message will be misconstrued, consider using an emoticon to lighten the tone.
4. Go to Your Teacher First. If you have a disagreement or issue with a fellow classmate, go to your teacher before the situation escalates. It’s best to make your teacher aware of the situation before it affects the classroom dynamics or the way you engage with your peers.
    
5. Stay on Topic, and Keep it Brief. Online classes require a lot of reading, and when responding, it may be difficult to decide where to start. Focus your comments into short topics to keep the conversation flowing. Avoid being too wordy, and instead say what you need to say without veering off topic.

Although using a more formal tone online might seem unusual at first, by keeping your online conversations respectful and direct, you’ll clear the way for easy communication.

Setting Up Your Study Space

Whether you attend classes primarily online or you go to class on campus, as a student, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time studying and completing assignments at home. To make the most of your space, here are a few suggestions to make your study area ideal for producing your best work.

Surface and Space

It’s easy to just use the kitchen table or the coffee table in place of a desk, but these are usually in the high-traffic area of house or surrounded by distractions. If you don’t already have one, invest in a desk or a table just for yourself and your coursework. Set up in a quiet place where you’ll be able to focus on your work instead of everything going on around you.

Be Prepared to Sit

Don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable chair, and don’t underestimate the damaging effects of an uncomfortable one. You’ll need a place to plant yourself–one that doesn’t act as an excuse to abandon the task at hand–so a wooden dining room chair or bar stool probably isn’t the best choice. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but find a chair that’s ergonomic and won’t give you a reason to get up and walk away.

Light Your Way 

Sunlight and a window nearby may not always be enough; consider investing in a good desk lamp. Light not only helps you feel more alert and focused; a well-lit workspace can reduce eye strain and has proven to positively affect motivation and mood. As an added bonus, good lighting can even boost your productivity.

Focus on Your Goals 

Do you have a particular thought that gets you motivated or helps you unleash a go-getter attitude? Whether it’s a quote, a person or a goal, put it in focus. Surround yourself with positivity and inspiring reminders about why you’re in school and what you’re working toward. The next time you start slipping into a slump, refocus on your ultimate goals.

Redesigning your work area can be fun. Make your space personalized and comfortable for studying so you can make the most of the time you put into school.

UMUC’s Criminal Justice Faculty Featured on Public Safety Podcast

What if police could take a picture of a suspect and search a database of open warrants? There’s an app for that, and UMUC criminal justice professors are talking about it.

“Imagine a Blackberry on steroids with capabilities of taking … photographs of suspects and doing database searches on face recognition,” says Mark DeSimone, a professor in the criminal justice program.

The technology is already being used in Baltimore, thanks to the Pocket Cop.

William Sondervan, executive director of public safety outreach in UMUC’s Graduate School, joined DeSimone to discuss new policing technologies and strategies, as well as UMUC’s partnership with the Baltimore Police Department and the collaborative leadership program, on the DC Public Safety Radio podcast.

Listen to the program to learn how smart phones are becoming Pocket Cops, how IBM is piloting crime prediction software in the region and how a task force used technology to combat robberies in Baltimore.

Sondervan and DeSimone also discuss how UMUC’s partnership with Baltimore Police Department was developed collaboratively with BPD Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld to grow leaders in the city’s force.

DC Public Safety Radio podcast is produced by the D.C. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and hosted by Leonard Sipes. A transcript of the interview is also available.

UMUC Supporting Spouses of Our Troops with New Scholarship

Spouses of active-duty military personnel may not be fighting wars overseas, but they are fighting battles and overcoming unique struggles of their own on the home front. In honor of these devoted military spouses, University of Maryland University College is pleased to announce the newly created HSBC Military Spouse Scholarship.

This scholarship opportunity provides the chance for many spouses of service men and women to confidently take the next steps toward a successful and thriving future, for themselves and for their families, too.

“When we think of our military members, most times we initially think of those who are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan,” says Anna Quilter, director of the Eastern Region for the Office of Military Partnerships. “But I think it’s important for us as community to take the time and show support for their spouses, as well. They too go through the ups and downs of living a military lifestyle, and it’s great that this scholarship will help to open the door for them to pursue higher education.”

 A maximum financial benefit of up to $1,500 per semester is available for those who qualify and are selected.

Tiffany Winston, director of the Western Region for the Office of Military Partnerships, said the scholarship can help alleviate some of the anxiety military spouses face when first deciding to pursue higher education.

“Military spouses have enough stress to deal with on a daily basis. Trying to find funding for their education shouldn’t be one of them,” says Winston.

To view the eligibility criteria and learn more, visit the HSBC Military Spouse Scholarship page. Be sure to apply online before the July 13 deadline to be considered.