What Not to Ask Your Online Instructor
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<strong>What</strong> <strong>Not</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Ask</strong> <strong>Your</strong> <strong>Online</strong> Instruc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
A common complaint about online students is that they ask inappropriate questions <strong>to</strong> their<br />
instruc<strong>to</strong>rs. Here’s what you should avoid asking your instruc<strong>to</strong>r:<br />
1. Don’t ask - Why a certain textbook is or isn’t used in the course?<br />
In most online degree programs, the content is standardized <strong>to</strong> meet the objectives of the university.<br />
Instruc<strong>to</strong>rs aren’t always responsible for the textbook selection and course content. If either tu<strong>to</strong>r<br />
fails <strong>to</strong> suggest a textbook or you need some other books <strong>to</strong> refer, ask if they can recommend<br />
something else. But, do not question why a specific book is or is not used in the course.<br />
2. Don’t ask your instruc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> violate university policy<br />
The university sets course policy. Most online tu<strong>to</strong>rs are adjunct faculty, i.e., they are contracted<br />
<strong>to</strong> teach one course at a time. Their intention is often two-fold: they enjoy interacting with students,<br />
and they also appreciate the secondary income that comes from facilitating courses. Instruc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
should not be asked <strong>to</strong> risk those opportunities by violating their contracts. Students who have a<br />
concern with course policy should check with their university administration.<br />
3. Don’t ask your grades.<br />
Most online courses have “My GradeBook” feature where students can access their grades for<br />
specific assignments as well as for the overall course. Before contacting your instruc<strong>to</strong>r with<br />
questions about your grade, visit the online gradebook <strong>to</strong> see your status. Because, online tu<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
often work as part time and they might not have time <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r your grades and performance.<br />
4. Don’t ask - which job(s) best suits you?<br />
Many online tu<strong>to</strong>rs work full-time in their respective fields – often in a position of leadership.<br />
Though they are a great source of practical information on course subject matter, it’s not their<br />
responsibility <strong>to</strong> assess your vocational skills and abilities. Seek the services of a career counselor<br />
if you need career advice.<br />
5. Don’t ask for professional advice<br />
<strong>Online</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs have been contracted <strong>to</strong> provide course facilitation. While they have the ability<br />
<strong>to</strong> give professional advice, counseling and advice giving aren’t the nature of your relationship<br />
with them. If you are taking an online course in psychology, a question about a particular<br />
psychiatric condition may be fine, but not a professional advice.<br />
These etiquette tips will help you correspond with the instruc<strong>to</strong>rs perfectly. Also, there are so many<br />
online class help websites offering academic assistances and even help students correspond with<br />
their instruc<strong>to</strong>rs. If you need online class help services, seek help for third party services <strong>to</strong>day.
Author Bio:<br />
The author has been offering online class help services <strong>to</strong> students for over 6 years struggling with<br />
their course tasks. He will assist with homework assignments, exams, quizzes, and discussion<br />
boards. He also offers flexible payment plans and guaranteed results.
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