Before You Hit Send: Netiquette Tips for OVS Students

            At some point or another, we’ve all had the experience of misinterpreting the tone of an email or text message. Whether it is due to lack of punctuation, a questionable word choice, poor organisation or confusing sentence structure, it can sometimes be challenging to communicate effectively through email. This is why “netiquette” is an important component of teaching and learning at Ontario Virtual School and is part of online high school success.  

Understanding Etiquette

            Before delving into the term “netiquette”, let’s take a look at the word “etiquette”. In his research paper Netiquette: Fundamentals of Etiquette in Digital Communication, Dr. Uğur Oral defines etiquette as “the rule of respect and courtesy that should be shown sensitivity in interpersonal relationships”. What is more, he describes etiquette as a boomerang, suggesting that the way a person treats those around them is the same way in which they are treated by others. 

Internet + Etiquette = Netiquette

Similarly, according to Microsoft, netiquette refers to Internet etiquette and it describes the “ideal pattern of behaviour for Internet users”. Just like we have a set of cultural norms and expectations when interacting face-to-face, the same concept of guidelines apply when communicating online. 

The Importance of Netiquette

Since digital interactions have become more frequent than face-to-face interactions for many people, as pointed out in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, it is imperative that we prioritize clear and respectful communication online. When communicating digitally, it is easy to forget that there is another person on the receiving end of text-based communication, and we may have to put extra effort into ensuring that we are considerate of others’ feelings and possible misinterpretations. 

Netiquette at OVS

At Ontario Virtual School, we want to prepare students for communication in an increasingly digital world. Effective email communication with teachers and administrators is not only an essential skill for success in online courses such as ENG4U or MDM4U, but also for future employability. What is more, OVS Staff recognize that “people require communication to create social cohesion, educate younger generations, and express countless emotions, thoughts, and needs” (Oral, 2025, p. 833) and we want our students to feel safe and understood on our online learning platform.

Netiquette for Emails

When composing and forwarding emails to helpful OVS staff and instructors, here are some ways in which netiquette can be applied:

Looking to the Future

            One of the advantages of taking a virtual online high school course is that it’s a great way to practice email communication skills and further develop one’s digital citizenship in an increasingly online world. If you would like to learn more about courses at OVS and how we prepare students for the future, feel free to send an email to our Guidance Support or Administration Team to help you take the next steps. 

Sources:

Heitmayer, M., Schimmelpfennig, R., & The Author(s). (2023). Netiquette as digital social Norms. In International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2188534

Microsoft. (2022, July 20). What is Netiquette? Microsoft 365. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/privacy-and-safety/what-is-netiquette

Oral, U. & Yaşar University. (2023). Netiquette: Fundamentals of Etiquette in Digital communication. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 1–5, 833–847. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(5).70

Written by Natalie Tayler (OVS Teacher)