Elluminate Ethics

As the first week of Elluminates has begun, chances are good that you'll either have one very shortly after reading this, or you already had your first and may be able to relate to some of my advice.

First of all, if you're wondering how many I've been to, I have no idea. Enough that I can't count them. I've been to almost every possible elluminate for my classes, barring illness or travel, for all of my three years at iQ. I know the ropes pretty well, and would like to share some tips on interacting within elluminate (not tech help- for that you've got other pre-established resources.)

Tip #1: Use the mic.

This is a very serious part of it. If every student used the mic to convey their point at least *some* of the time, everyone would benefit. It's more fun, it's more fluid, and you can focus your attention. Of course there will be times when you're munching on something, or your mic doesn't work (don't lie about this, btw,) or you don't feel well (this either.) However, these times are theoretically occurrences with a very low frequency, and are not -by any standards- a permanent excuse. Thinking your voice is bad is actually a permanent excuse, but unwarranted and you shouldn't get away with never speaking because of that. (Do you also never say anything in public?) Bite the bullet and get on it. You won't regret the new freedom.

Tip #2: Don't spam the whiteboard

This is another big one. Do not, even if everyone is fooling around, ever, under any circumstances, spam the whiteboard with tons of Pencil Tool, dumb images, the same text, or any other evil materials you can think up. There will be opportunities to go wild, but by going wild you need to respect others and not take up everyone's space with junk. Not spamming might go unnoticed, but if you mess with everyone, you will be seen and most people will find you annoying. For everyone that doesn't spam the whiteboard (or contrastingly makes it pretty,) I salute you in advance.

Tip #3: Be friendly and informative, not distant and blurry

Some people will join elluminates and leave their virtual self there while they go off and do whatever they do. This is not wise- You are lagging a perfectly fine computer, you aren't learning all the cool course material you could be learning, and you definitely aren't making friends. Even in a session of a class you don't like, you very well might meet a student or two with a similar opinion. *Poof* New friend... s. The best way to capitalize on the awesome fun that is Elluminate is to get involved and stay involved as much as possible.

Tip #4: Don't do
this
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
.

Tip #5: :) Too many :P Smilies are Annoying :D :P :D :S :D -_- :P

Tip #6: Saying the obvious to everyone is not helpful, and in most cases unfunny.

"Hey look, yellow."

Tip #7: Not participating in a discussion (particularly on the mic) is boring.

Tip #8: If you have to leave early, don't say goodbye more than once. Please. People who only say goodbye once are more appreciated because of it (and everyone *will* notice the first time.) This leads to tip #9...

Tip #9: Don't assume that unresponsiveness means people either don't like you, don't care what you're saying, or didn't see what you typed. They may just have nothing to say, be feeling too lazy to type back, or really don't care what you said. Also, don't take it personally. If what you're saying is important, repeat it, and if that doesn't work, someone else will join in your quest to get the message out. This is especially useful for semi-distracted teachers.

Tip #10: plz use cptl lettrs 'n full wrds sumtimes cuz it make ur stuff easier 2 read



That's all for now; might see you in class!

-H²