Studying Online;Succeeding through Distance Learning at University

130 Studying online 
Use chat during video calls on a limited basis. I recommend that 
students only use it to ask questions if they want additional in-
formation on what is being said in the call. In other words, avoid 
too much “chat” and use it only for essential communication. 
Focus on the video call itself. 
QUICK TIP: In online video sessions, reduce your use of the chat 
stream to a minimum.This will allow you to focus on the call 
itself, and that will help your overall marks. 

 online video eTiqueTTe 
You may have witnessed bad behaviour in some of the video 
calls in which you have taken part. Or you may have thought 
that some of your fellow students are not as professional as they 
ought to be. Most universities will have a code of behaviour that 
includes online etiquette. Some universities publish separate 
rules about expected behaviours in online sessions. Make sure 
you have read those rules. Most are common sense. For example, 
video conference programs include a virtual “hands up” element. 
If you want to ask a question, you can press the “Hands Up” but-
ton, and the leader of the call will then ask you to speak. Many of 
the etiquette guides will ask you to do this rather than shout out 
or just interrupt. In face-to-face classes, students will put their 
hands up if they want clarifcation or ask a question. Or the lec-
turer will see they have a puzzled look on their face and will ask 
them if they want clarifcation. In online video calls, it isn’t easy 
for the lecturer to see puzzled looks because not every student 
will be visible on screen in bigger classes. So some students will 
resort to interruption and shouting out to gain attention. Te 
problem is that this interrupts the fow of the session for others 
and becomes distracting. If you have a question in online vid-
eo sessions, use the “Raise Hand” button, as that will make the 

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