“Rudeness luxuriates in the absence of self-respect.”

Eric Hoffer

Online classes are a bit of a hassle, it is agreed by most. It is difficult to communicate in real time and the speaker has to wait for an appropriate response. It is trying, confusing and a test of patience. From a teacher’s perspective, it is really annoying to see the students spamming the chat box with rude messages. Just because none of them have their camera or microphones on, they believe they can behave unruly.

One should remember that our true character shows when we think no one is looking at us. Behaving in an absurd manner doesn’t make anything easy. From students, certain net-etiquettes or “netiquettes” are required.

#1 Wait for an answer: When a discussion is going on or if you have something to say, unmute your mic and politely ask to be given the chance to speak up. Google Meet also comes with an option to “raise hand” and notify the teacher. 

#2 Speak up when asked to:  The internet was filled with memes saying that the tables have turned and teachers now want their students to speak and “not keep quiet”. Sometimes, silent is also an insult. At the end of the day, if you haven’t been communicative enough, the teacher will take a note of this once or twice and carry on with the lesson anyway. Who’s at loss? You are! It's not “cool” to ignore your teacher. 

#3 Google less; ask more: Even the teachers know when the students have just narrated their answer from an internet source. Google has many answers but it doesn’t add to your knowledge if instead of revising or concentrating on class, you were a lot distracted and trance broke for a while.

#4 Pay attention to the conversation: While typing an answer, think about what you want to say so that a little joke doesn’t seem as well-intended sarcasm. Also, ignore grammatical errors of others as it is basically pointing fingers at them and is counter-productive.Some students jump in the conversation mid-way with irrelevant information already discussed. 

#5 Cooperate, be kind and professional: It basically means that you complete your assignments, submit them in proper form, clarify your doubts, and be professional in your approach. If a certain project has to be done certain way, do it in that way. Kindness is undervalued.

These are not just "netiquettes", they are etiquette each student must follow. A good character is reflected through small thing and your body language- both which can be developed and groomed properly at a tender age. Hence, these etiquette must be followed.