UNAIR NEWS – In this pandemic era, almost all lecture activities are conducted online. It results in intense communication between students and lecturers through social media such as WhatsApp. However, it is necessary to understand ethics and good manner in communicating with lecturers via WhatsApp.
Dr. Dewi Retno Suminar, M.Si., a lecturer at Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) said that good ethics when communicating via WhatsApp begins with introducing self, explaining goals, and closing. Do not forget to use standard language.
“The form is greetings to introduce yourself, stating the purpose and closing statement, that is the content. Then use standard language, don’t say ‘aku‘, but ‘saya‘ to the lecturer. Sometimes children (students, ed) say ‘aku’, it must be highlighted, “said the lecturer who has a focus on interpersonal relationship skills on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Timing is one thing that must be considered. Dewi revealed that the morning is a good time to contact lecturers because in the morning there is still time to spare before getting busy with office matters.
“Because usually in the morning people get ready for work, maybe we could contact them after dawn prayer. Because when they opened in the morning, they are busy working yet, ” she added.
It should be realized, during the pandemic WhatsApp groups get faster response than personal chat because it is more active there than in personal Whatsapp. So, sometimes students have to think positively because the lecturers can only reply at night.
Also, communicating online is very different from communicating face-to-face. It must be realized that if the lecturer answers briefly it does not mean that they do not want to be disturbed, but maybe there are other activities.
“So you don’t need to be offended, actually you shouldn’t be offended. The language of communication they use can be only ‘yes’, ‘okay’. If we meet in person, try to imagine answering ‘oh I see’, ‘okay then’, ‘we’ll meet later’, so it’s quite short, ” she explained.
Dewi also emphasized that ending the conversation should not be too lengthy, just state the important things. “Yes, enough with thanks Ma’am for the input, or the time. The important thing, “she concluded. (*)
Author: Asthesia Dhea Cantika
Editor : Binti Q. Masruroh
