Conduct and content online
Introduction
During your studies you may be involved in sharing ideas with other students online. Your module may include the following online ‘spaces’ that enable you to do this.
A forum is an online discussion area where you can post messages.
A wiki is a set of connected web pages that anyone in a particular group can edit.
A blog (sometimes called a 'learning log') is an online diary that one person writes and usually other people can view and comment on. All students have a personal blog, although some modules have module-specific blogs.
- Online rooms, the online venues for tutorials and student collaboration rooms.
Some of the first sections of this guidance focus on forums but its general principles and everything in the sections following it apply to all online tools.
When working in shared online spaces, it is important that you:
- treat others with courtesy and respect
- safeguard confidentiality and personal security
- avoid committing or supporting plagiarism
- understand and respect copyright
- remember that any information you share on your profile, blog or forum can be read by a peer or Open University staff member: be careful about posting any deeply personal data such as your religious or philosophical beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, your mother's maiden name or your detailed location.