This Code of Conduct outlines key principles for using digital tools in educational settings to foster a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment. These guidelines apply to all educators, trainers, and facilitators working in the education sector.

The following points serve as guidelines for a Code of Conduct in virtual learning spaces and for the use of digital tools. The guidelines should be adapted as needed to the specific requirements, conditions, content, tools and learning environments.

Preparation and Implementation

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE CODE-OF-CONDUCT

  • Communicate and share the “Code of Conduct” with all involved participants
  • Rules and desired behaviors should ideally be communicated (and made binding) at the time of registration for an event and no later than the start of the session.
  • A clear procedure for handling rule violations should be communicated in advance and consistently enforced when necessary.
  • If sufficient time is available, the target audience should be involved in the development of the code of conduct.
  • If time is limited, the rules should be tailored to the needs and backgrounds of the participants.
  • If resources allow, there should be a co-moderator responsible for monitoring behavior in the digital space (e.g., in chats, etc.) while ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities and roles.

PREPARATION & INTRODUCTION FOR TRAINERS

  • Communicate the process and technical implementation of digital courses (e.g., the format of the course, tools to be used, and technical requirements) to all participants in timely manner
  • Provide sufficient and educationally valuable materials and resources for participants’ preparation, such as training tutorials or explanatory videos for the use of digital tools.
  • Provide channels for target-group-appropriate communication for inquiries, technical issues, challenges with digital tools, feedback, etc.

Practical Implementation

CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

  • Offer constructive, respectful feedback in digital spaces, focusing on growth and improvement.
  • Encourage a culture of learning by being receptive to constructive criticism from peers and participants.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

  • Use collaborative tools (such as shared documents, online whiteboards, etc.) to support teamwork in an open and inclusive way.
  • Recognize and respect the roles of all participants, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

  • If disagreements arise in digital spaces, approach them calmly and professionally, aiming for resolution without escalation.
  • In case of unresolved conflicts, seek the assistance of a neutral third party to mediate the discussion.

RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION

  • Maintain a respectful and courteous tone in all forms of digital communication (emails, chats, discussion forums, etc.)
  • Be open and listening. Avoid interrupting others and let them finish speaking.
  • Respect others’ personal space and boundaries.
  • Care and take care. For yourself, others and the (digital) environment.
  • Do not tolerate disruptive or discriminatory behavior, including spamming, chat abuse, impersonation of other users, stalking, cyberbullying, etc.
  • Do not post or distribute inappropriate content, including inappropriate speech or behavior, offensive content, discriminatory remarks, hate speech, etc.

INCLUSIVITY AND PARTICIPATION

  • Create a welcoming environment where all voices are heard, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable contributing.
  • Do not assume. Make no assumptions about identity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, life situation or family relationships. Do not assume that everyone thinks the same or can do what you do.
  • Value diversity and give others space to express themselves.
  • Recognize varying levels of digital proficiency and offer support or guidance to those who need it.
  • Adapt to the diverse learning needs and preferences of participants, and offer materials in various formats where possible.

DIGITAL ETIQUETTE

  • In virtual meetings, mute your microphone when not speaking to minimize distractions.
  • Arrive on time for online meetings, trainings, and sessions, and ensure that you are technically prepared.

PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

  • Avoid recording and sharing personal data without consent, and ensure all digital tools comply with data privacy regulations.

  • Always ask for participants’ consent before recording meetings/video sessions or documenting spoken content, and respect their wishes if they do not want to be recorded.

  • Lectures and materials may not be shared by learners or published on personal or third-party websites, social media accounts, etc without consent.

  • Personal and sensitive information will be treated confidentially and must not be stored, shared, or published without the consent of the individual(s) concerned.

  • Choose secure and trusted tools for communication, collaboration, and storage to protect sensitive information.