In an online school environment, respectful and decent communication is crucial for fostering a positive and productive learning atmosphere. As learners and educators interact through digital platforms, the absence of face-to-face cues can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Clear and respectful communication helps build trust, encourages collaboration, and enhances engagement among peers and facilitators. It creates a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard, ultimately contributing to a more effective educational experience.

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At School of Humanity we are committed to promoting respectful and appropriate communication at all times. This includes communication between all the members of the school, including written communication such as emails, slack and chat messages and spoken and visual communication during meetings and sessions.

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Before we outline the guidelines for appropriate communication, we would like to remind you of our school values and the Codes of Conduct.

School Values

1. We always do what we say we are going to do, with and for each other
2. We approach all interactions and activities from a place of love
3. We are curious, and open to learning and new ways of thinking and doing
4. We are humble and overcome ego
5. We are truthful and well-reasoned, especially when it is hard

Codes of Conduct

At the School of Humanity we respect each other’s identity, ethnicity, values, and upbringing while promoting high standards of learning and upholding a strong global community of learners and educators. Both as an online learning environment and in our co-learning spaces (hybrid), we maintain defined roles either as learners, educators, staff, or parents, and respect all forms of interaction with one another, be it in person or virtual.

Please see the Codes of Conduct here for reference.

📜 Guidelines for Appropriate Communication

• Use Professional Language: Always communicate in a professional manner by using correct spelling and grammar. Avoid slang, abbreviations, and emoticons, as these can detract from the clarity of your message. If you do need to include any slang expressions or abbreviations, double check the meaning and ensure that they cannot be misunderstood
• Be Mindful of Tone: Since online communication lacks nonverbal cues, be cautious with your tone. Avoid sarcasm and humor that could be misinterpreted, and strive for clarity in your messages.
• Respect Others: Treat all participants with respect, acknowledging diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Avoid making assumptions about others’ technological skills or personal identities. Also avoid making any comments regarding anyone's appearance, what they are wearing or their visual background.
• Engage Thoughtfully: Before responding in discussions, read previous messages to avoid redundancy. When agreeing or disagreeing, provide reasons for your stance rather than simply stating your opinion. Think twice before responding - will your message have a positive or a negative impact on the receiver?
• Maintain Privacy: Be mindful of privacy—avoid sharing sensitive personal information about yourself or others. Respect the confidentiality of communications within the learning environment.
• Be Proactive: Regularly check for messages and participate actively in discussions. If you have questions or concerns, communicate them promptly to your facilitator.

These guidelines help create a supportive online learning community where everyone can thrive academically and socially. Please note that all of the above applies to both spoken and written communication.