Connection is an important, if not the most important aspect of learning online. And when I mean connection, I not only aim to say different tools available on the web, but the opportunities that make interaction, the sharing of ideas and the flowing of information possible; in other words true communication!! Meeting people who otherwise we probably wouldn’t; sharing our perspectives and experiences, questions and ideas; accessing resources; collaborating and cooperating in projects; developing know-how together…. This is in my opinion what adds true value to this kind of environments. So connection for me is more than a plug, or a computer that can “transport” us to these virtual environments. Connection is about bonding with people, who sharing similar purposes and interests, work together in a way which will enable us to achieve our goals and most times exceed what we thought to me our limits. In my online activity I have been able to connect to many people with whom I have truly connected in mind and purpose – we help each other think and reflect about what concerns us by networking, i.e., sharing and providing relevant thoughts and sources of information with one another.
That’s what I call achieving real and meaningful communication, even if through virtual means (=web). That’s the power of today’s technology – it has become an enabler of human interaction, surpassing the barriers of time and space.
With my experience in multi-cultural communities I have also noticed that establishing that “connection” (through communication and care about each others learning needs and purposes – sometimes it’s important to be aware of ones culture, or at least be tolerant and understanding about the way people express themselves. There is a code of online conduct which has been developed to help overcome such issues. It has been called Netiquette.
Netiquette (short for Network Etiquette) refers to an informal set of guidelines and conventions related to proper conduct and use of the different means of online communication. You can read more about it here…
I personally see this set of guidelines as nothing else but common sense. Nevertheless they are a good reminder about the way we should address and communicate with people. I am not sure if you are aware of it or not. I decided to share some links about it with you. I hope you find them useful.
The core rules of netiquette can be accessed here, and if you want, you can take the netiquette quiz here!
I am a believer in the importance of Netiquette!
As a friend of mine uses to say it is the “Network-Lingua Franca” of online conversations. I use to say Netiquette is also about common sense and respectful communication.
Would love to hear what you have to say about this! 
Cristina Costa