Internet writing for online students

If you've grown up with computers, cell phones and instant messaging you may have gotten in the habit of using "Netspeak" in your internet writing. Do you substitute "U" for the word "you?" Do you use a lot of acronyms like YMMV and IMHO? If so, you might want to make a few changes in your Internet writing when you take an online course. Using proper spelling and grammar may take a little more typing time, but it builds an image of you as a serious student. You never know what kind of professional contacts you may make in the online classroom. Also, students from all over the world participate in online courses and they may not understand what you're trying to say.