Chatiquette addresses the unspoken conventions for gaining and relinquishing the floor and changing topics. Without the nonverbal cues that indicate a request for the floor such as a raised hand, synchronous discussions can become disjointed. Chatiquette should include the following online behaviors: Introduce yourself, be polite, and be considerate of differing opinions.

• Remember that not everyone is chatting on the same time zone you are, and that your native language may not be the primary language of everyone in the chatroom.
• Do not worry about correcting typographical errors. They are expected, and can actually be a source of humor for everyone.
• Flirting and sexual comments and/or requests are NOT appropriate in educational chat rooms.
• Do not type in ALL CAPITALS. Capital letters represent shouting and is considered rude.
• When people are rude or offensive, use humor to diffuse rude or potential problems. Ignoring offensive or angry remarks works even better.
• Most chatters are nice. Ask if you have questions and watch for their replies.
• It is helpful to address your questions or comments (in typing) to the specific recipient if there is one and it is OK to shorten someone’s chatting nickname when you are “talking” to them.
• Give thought to the personality you project online and just be yourself. Experienced chatters can almost always sense pretense.
• Plain text may not express the tone of the comment, which is why we use abbreviations, acronyms, and emoticons to clarify HOW we say things.
• If you have to leave the chat for a short time, tell the others you will be away or set your chat session to “away” or preferably just log out.
• Do not use sarcasm because it can easily be misinterpreted in an online environment. Remember that people cannot see nonverbal cues or expressions in an online environment.
• Do not reply to personal requests on the main chat screen. Use the Whisper mode.
• Say goodbye when you leave the chat forum.