Equipment

• Prior to starting an online session, ensure your hardware and software are functioning properly. Test your camera and microphone in Zoom before you join to confirm audio and visual connections.
• Consider the lighting source for your video. If possible, position yourself to face the light source and avoid having it directly behind you. 
• Consider using a pair of earbuds/headphones that have a built-in microphone. This will enhance your speaking volume for other participants and help diminish background noises. 

Professionalism & Respect

• Arrive to your session on time and stay for the entire class session. Notify your instructor of any modifications or adjustments needed. 
• Unless you are speaking, keep your microphone muted during the session to prevent any unintended audio being shared with the participants. This will prevent unwanted noises interrupting those who are speaking. This will also prevent other students inadvertently hearing conversations or comments not intended to be shared, and also helps keep distractions to a minimum during the session.
• Be mindful of video being shared and if needed, consider using a background during your Zoom session. Sometimes, we may not be aware of distracting things happening behind us. 
• Be respectful of classmates’ opinions. If you disagree, please do so respectfully.
• Refer to classmates and instructors using their preferred name and identifiers. If you are not sure, defer to formal titles and politely confirm with them individually for future use. 
• Be mindful of typed responses in both session chats and discussion board posts. 
• Avoid typing in ALL CAPS and use exclamation points only as needed. If not, it may read as though you are SCREAMING!
• Stay on topic. 
• Avoid jokes and sarcasm as without tone or facial expression, these could be misunderstood and interpreted as aggressive.
• After typing your response, reread to check for spelling and/or grammatical errors. This will help maintain clarity and readability. 
• Avoid informal slang terminology and abbreviations (using u rather than you). 

HIPAA

• For the purposes of this course, patient information should not be transmitted via email or in any online discussion forums or other online communications.
• See the PHI webpage for guidelines pertaining to protected health information and confidentiality requirements.