Code of Conduct for Live Online Learning with Professional Development

1. Purpose and Policy Considerations

Professional Development is committed to providing a supportive, fair, and equitable training and inclusive live online learning environment for all students (learners). This code of conduct aims to ensure a respectful, productive, and safe online learning environment for all participants during live virtual training sessions with Professional Development using Zoom or other approved platforms.

2. Preparation and Participation

• Join the online session on time and be ready to participate fully in all learning activities.
• You are required to have your camera on at all times, with the exception of breaks. This is to validate your attendance as well as fostering participation and engagement while showing respect to your fellow course attendees and your Tutor.
• Fully familiarise yourself with the functionality within Zoom (or other approved platforms being used).
• Set up in a quiet, distraction-free location with a suitable background.
• Have all the necessary learning materials to hand before the Tutor starts the session.
• Use your real name (first and last) as your online ID for the session and to help engage with the Tutor and other Learners.
• Be courteous to all participants and play a part in promoting healthy discussions.
• Engage fully in all exercises and breakout sessions.
• Respect cultural differences.

3. Appearance and Environment

• Dress appropriately, as you would if attending an in-person class.
• Ensure your background is tidy and suitable for a classroom setting.

4. Audio, Video, and Communication

• Mute your microphone when not speaking to minimise any background noise.
• Always keep your camera on during the training sessions to help foster engagement with the class and show respect to the Tutor and fellow attendees.
• Pay attention to other people (facial expressions and body language) as if you were meeting them in person.
• Use the “raise hand” feature or chat function to indicate that you wish to speak. Try not to interrupt others.
• Always communicate respectfully and professionally — no inappropriate language or disruptive behaviour.
• Think about the quality of your chat or other posting – use proper spelling and grammar, plus proofread before posting. Also, avoid “flaming” or using ALL CAPS (it will appear like you’re shouting at someone).
• Remember to use the chat function for relevant, on-topic questions or comments only.

5. Respect and Safety

• Always be friendly and respectful. Treat the Tutor and other Learners with respect, tolerance, and consideration.
• Respect other people and avoid any risk of bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour.
• Respect the privacy of others: do not take screenshots, record, or share images of the session without prior permission.
• The class is not normally recorded to preserve psychological safety.
• Skills demonstrations as required for assessment will be recorded and the Tutor will tell the class when this is being done.
• Do not share session links or passwords with unauthorised individuals.
• Do not give out personal information in the chat or during the online training session.

6. General Conduct

• Follow all instructions from the Tutor or session host promptly.
• Stay focused on the session—avoid multitasking, using other devices, or engaging in unrelated activities (e.g., checking your mobile phone).
• Remain in the session until it officially ends unless excused by the Tutor.
• If you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour, report it to the Tutor or Professional Development’s support staff immediately.

7. Consequences

• Inappropriate behaviour may result in being muted, video turned off, removal from the session, or exclusion from future sessions, depending on the nature of an individual’s conduct.