Annoucements
I think the announcement feature is important when getting out new information online. I encourage my staff to post information all the time
Martin,
The summary posts can be very helpful. Whether it's a summary of the weeks' lesson or of a discussion on the discussion board, etc. it does help the students. You can also get the students to do the summaries as a part of the points they earn. It's good for them too and then they can be responsible for the learning as well. Thanks!
I post A LOT! Every week, I post a summary of the week's lessons with additional examples worked out in detail.
And you know what? The majority of students simply refuse to read them.
So, how do you get students to actually read the announcements. I email students and let them know when new announcements are posted and what they contain and how they can be helpful, but that still does not seem to increase readership.
Ruby,
Typically there has to be a consequence. What about offering extra credit for something via email and if they don't respond within a certain timeframe, they don't get the extra credit. OR you could provide valuable information pertaining to an assignment/project that would help students earn a better grade on the assignment/project. Hope this helps.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Hello,
I struggle with getting my students to read their announcements. A lot of them do not even read their emails. How can I spark their interests?
Alfred,
I always refer the students to the announcements and frequently asked question discussion board. Eventually the students learn to check there first and not email me. It saves me a lot of time. Thanks for your input.
I agree announcements are important. As we know we are required to have at least one a week. I do wonder when students ask me a question via email, that was covered in an announcement. I will cut and paste the announcement in my reply to stress the importance of reviewing them.
Jared,
Sounds like you have asynchronous and synchronous class meetings. The announcements and email are great ways to use for reminders. Thanks for your input.
Not only is the announcement feature good to pass along new information, but the feature is also important to use as a reminder tool for the students. I use the announcement feature to remind students of online synchronous events and other important assignments.
Jeremy,
Ah, yes. The resident portion of courses is very nice. I know instructors who ask students how they want to be communicated to: Email, Announcements, Facebook, etc. The students vote and that is the ONE way the instructor communicates and it is the students' responsibility to check the communication path. Works the them. ;-) We have to do what works us and our students. Thanks for your input.
I feel that I post too many announcements, and email "too often" as a "mass message" so that I know it goes out to everyone. I try to get information out to everyone no matter if they look at their email or the announcement page when they enter into the software. Too often still I hear students say that they don't check their messages from me or don't see the announcements I post. This makes having a resident portion in addition to the online portion very nice!
Jacqueline,
I like the feature in my LMS that allows me to create an announcement and also email the students at the same time. This gives them notification/communication whether they check in to the course or check their email. Thanks for your input.
I sometimes feel that I post too many announcements. I prefer announcements to emailing students. Stuents may not always check emails, but when they enter the Course, they will see the Announcements.
Bernadette,
Yes, announcements can be very informative and I like the check the box in my LMS that allows me to send the announcement as an email as well at the same time. We have to keep the communication going and develop that personal touch you discuss. Thanks!
Announcements help keep the students abreast of what is going on in your class...I like to add inspirational quotes and animated emoticons from time to time just to see If the student actually is reading the announcements..
It adds a little personal touch to the environment.
PatJohn,
Yes, the announcement is important and in many LMSs can also send an email to students at the same time. Thanks!
