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Online Communication
2
Online Communication
Introduction
Introduction
The current situation gives rise to new challenges that we did not expect to face. As a safety precaution, Fall classes are being held online.
Online learning brings potential barriers to consider. It is important to understand the permanence of what is communicated online.
We stress the significance of appropriate behavior towards your classmates and professors, and to understand your own responsibilities.
Communicating Effectively Online
When communicating to others online, it is important to understand that they may not be able to understand your tone, intent, or body language.
For instance, others may not pick up on something that was intended as a joke and may instead see it as bullying.
Communicating
Effectively
Online
7 C's
of Communication
7 C's of Communication
These helpful terms should be used as a guide for when communicating online with others.
1) Clarity
2) Courtesy
3) Conciseness
4) Consideration
5) Correctness
6) Completeness
7) Concreteness
1. Clarity
You want to make sure that what you have written is clear.
Don't make others rely on implicit reasoning to decipher what you have written. This can lead to problems, confusion, and misunderstandings.
Your classmates cannot always pickup on your tone! Be aware of this.
For instance, leave sarcasm out!
2. Completeness
It is important to say what you want to say and your reasons for saying it.
If you leave out an obvious conclusion or don't back up your position, others may disagree with you because they don't understand where you are coming from.
Be specific about where you've gotten your information from so your peers are able to check. This will make learning and communicating more efficient.
All of this will save you time and frustration!
3. Conciseness
As law students, many of us have a tendency to ramble.
Don't! Say what you need to say in as little words as possible when communicating online. Cite the support, then move on.
When we ramble, our main point may get lost in unrelated thoughts. Try to avoid this!
4. Courtesy
Be polite, be nice, be considerate!
When communicating online, if you are too assertive or blunt people won't listen to your message.
There will be TONS of time in law school when you don't agree with what your peers have said about a certain topic. Instead of instinctively attacking, take a step back and acknowledge what you agree about the response first.
Let's give one another the space and understanding to learn and grow, without limiting or shutting off each other's views. You can disagree with others, but be nice about it!
Give credit where it's due!
5. Concreteness
Provide tangible support for you opinion!
When you disagree with someone, be specific as to why! You may have an opinion about a topic, but that opinion may not be specific enough to describe your position.
You want to avoid being vague and help your classmates understand your views!
6. Correctness
Don't say things that are inaccurate or untrue!
7. Consideration
Be aware of others! ALWAYS!
Think of other people's perspectives, situations, and experiences.
We are all here to learn and we want to make sure everyone feels comfortable enough to express themselves.
Classmates all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and family histories.
Remember, tone is difficult to translate online!
Time Management
There are some important realizations of time management regarding online communication.
Make sure that you are not leaving questions until the last minute as responses may be delayed due to the online platform.
Plan your questions accordingly!
Time Management
Contacting Professors
Contacting Professors
Did you leave your work last minute? Emailing a prof at 3am before a final?
We have all been in these situations, but your expectations regarding a reply need to be realistic.
Professors receive an average of 180 emails a day. They cannot respond instantly, and you cannot expect them to respond outside of work hours. More realistically, plan for a 72 hour wait-period for responses.
We have amazing profs at the Schulich School of Law and many will go out of their way to help you. However, just like you, they have lives outside of school. Be understanding and realistic about response times.
Just like in the 7 C's of Communication, be considerate!
Language Use in Emails
You are about to enter a professional career, so it is expected that you will present yourself as a professional.
This means that you should proof-read emails before you send them, refrain from using emojis, and don't use abbreviations such as "lol."
Use clarity when communicating with your profs, classmates and future employers.
Helpful Hint: when asking questions about lecture material be as specific as possible (eg., what class you are asking about). Most professors teach multiple classes.
How to Address a Professor
Etiquette is important when addressing a professor, whether it be face-to-face or in an email.
In an email, never simply address a professor by their last name. Say "Dear Professor Smith" rather than "Dear Smith." Only address them by their first name if they first give you permission.
Integrity
BE NICE! Seriously!
You may have heard rumors about law school being intense, competitive, and cutthroat.
There's no doubt that it is stressful at times, but it is not cutthroat. At least not at Dal!
Our law school works really hard to cultivate a collegial atmosphere for its students. Be mindful of your approach to classmates and keep in mind the benefits of helping out others.
Reputation
Reputation
Yes, it is important to get good grades in law school and they will impact your job opportunities. But at the end of the day, employers want to be around someone considerate and easy to work with.
How you treat your classmates throughout your law degree will impact your reputation. If you are known as someone rude, who withholds important information, or who spreads untrue rumors, these traits will stick!
When employers hear that someone was difficult to work with throughout their law degree, that reputation will follow you.
Remember this! Be kind, you will be rewarded for it.
Academic Integrity
Academic
Integrity
Not only is it in good courtesy to be kind and considerate, it's also within Dalhousie University's policies.
For instance, cheating or using someone else's work can result in failing a course or possible expulsion.
Included in this policy, is preventing others from accessing information or having equal opportunities. Keep this in mind!
For more information, visit:
https://www.dal.ca/dept/university_secretariat/academic-integrity.html regarding Academic Integrity.
Dalhousie Code of Conduct
Please visit the below link to learn more about what is expected of you in regards to conduct at Dalhousie University:
https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/university_secretariat/policy-repository/CodeofStudentConduct-SenateApproved2018-05-22(inclNov27-17amndmts).pdf
Dalhousie Code of Conduct
Academic Offences
Academic
Offences
As law students, you will learn a variety of activities and practices that are illegal.
Plagiarism is one of them. Copying or cheating can result in both academic and legal offences that can permanently destroy your career.
With information being more widely available online this term, you will need to be extra careful when using someone else's work.
Sharing, re-posting, copying, or saving information may be considered an academic offence depending on the information.
Double check before you save and share, and ALWAYS give credit where it's due.
Violation Definitions
Here are some clarificaiton definitions about what is or is not permissible regarding academic materials.
1) Providing false information/data in work
2) Falsifed accomodations (e.g., falsified medical note)
3) Representing work produced by another person as one's own original work
4) Preventing other from accessing information or opportunities
Trying to "get ahead" will only leave you behind!
Plagiarism v. Copyright
These terms can be a little confusing, so we thought we would break it down for you to keep things clear!
Both plagiarism and copyright are important. Violating either of these can result in an end to your academic and professional legal career.
Plagiarism v. Copyright
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
This is the act of claiming the work of others (published or unpublished) as your own.
For instance, copying someone else's work or using their ideas in a paper is plagiarism!
Copyright
Copyright
This is when one reproduces the work of others that violate copyright laws and restrictions.
For instance, photo-copying a textbook and selling it to other students would be a copyright violation.
Online Footprint
Online Footprint
Remember! Everything you do online leaves a footprint and can be recovered!
Even if you delete a post, it can still be found.
For instance, if you made a post indicating you were selling photo-copied textbooks but took it down, it could still be used as evidence you violated copyright. Maybe someone took a screen shot of it while it was up. What you put online stays there, and can affect you years later. For example, some employers may look at your Facebook/Instagram/Twitter pages before hiring you. So keep it clean, folks!
There is no time like the present to consider and alter your online presence. You are joining a professional faculty, so keep that in mind.