Jeannie,
This is a good way to be available to students so they know they can access you in case of a situation or challenge that might preclude them attending or completing an assignment. This way they know they are not alone as they do their work outside of the school setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I share my cell number because I want students to let me know if they will be late or absent in preparation for their life as an employee. In addition, I answer questions they may pose. I stick with the school email address but I do check that over the weekend.
Patrick,
Generally the practice is to share the contact method through which you wish to receive messages. Some instructors share cell numbers and email addresses and others share only the school number and email address. I would check with your school and see what the policy is and that will be part of how you share your contact information with your students. I have shared my cell number and email address with my students for many years and to date I have not had a student abuse either in terms of communicating with me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
