On-line communication may seem like talking or writing on paper but it's a bit different. It has its own set of rules or manners, called net-etiquette, or “netiquette”. The rules are very logical and will come naturally once you get used to them.

Rule #1: Avoid hurting people's feelings

• Never insult someone. This hurts just as much on-line as it does in person. When posted on-line, it reflects badly on you, your school and your country. If you intentionally insult someone, it could turn into an international incident that would be embarrassing for everyone and could even result in heavy punishment for you.
• If someone insults you, talk to your teacher about it before responding. The “insult” may really be a case of somebody using the wrong word, or a word that means something else in their culture or dialect. Even if the insult seems intentional, don't get into a flame war (sending insults back and forth). If you are angry, wait awhile, talk to your teacher and perhaps try sending a polite message asking what the person meant.
• The other kids are just as cool as you are. If you think their clothes look strange, remember that your clothes look funny to them, too. Or maybe it's your haircut.
• CAPITAL LETTERS in an online situation means you are shouting! So use them very rarely, as people might be offended (like you would be if someone shouted at you).

Rule #2: Cultural and Language Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings are easy in online situations, especially when you are communicating with people who don't speak English as their first language. To avoid misunderstandings, try to write as simply and clearly as possible :

• Avoid slang. Students who speak other languages don’t usually understand it, because they haven’t learned it in school.
• If a non-native English speaker makes a mistake and you don’t understand, just ask them what they meant. Or use the word properly when you respond, so that they can learn from you.
• Never, ever make fun of someone’s ability to speak or write English. They may lose their confidence and never write again. On the other hand, remember that if someone uses a word that offends you, it may not be an offensive word in their local slang. Ask them what they meant.
• If one of your partner schools is fluent in English and the other is weak, make sure ALL your messages are written in simple English so that everyone can understand.
• Jokes are easily misunderstood in online situations because the reader can't see your face to know whether you are joking, so avoid them at first. For the same reason, avoid sarcasm altogether.
• If you want to clarify your feelings when you write something, try using “smiley” symbols :

:-) happy
:-( sad
;-) wink, meaning “I’m joking”

Rule #3: Be Responsible On-line
You should treat GVC facilities the way you treat a special clubhouse. Being responsible means keeping this place private and secure and respecting other people's privacy.

• Never post passwords to on-line forums or chat rooms. In fact, avoid exchanging them by e-mail unless that’s your only choice.
• If you’re in a chat room and people from another team are having a private conversation, don’t interrupt unless you’re invited. Just move to another room.
  
  

Global Virtual Classroom is a great way to get to know people. You can learn a lot from them and they can learn a lot from you. Be ready to help others who are unsure of how to use the Internet, design a website, or communicate in English. By the end of the project, you will all be a lot smarter!