Kristina,
Many instructors use the 24 hour rule. It's good to have a plan and let the students know what that plan is. Good job.
I have placed on my calendar to sign on to my online portal daily at 8pm PST and will sign on periodically throughout the day depending on the complexity of the unit (anticipating increased email load). I respond to emails normally within a 12 - 24 hour timeframe unless there are technicial problems that prevent this.
krystal,
Setting the rules up front and communicating them is essential. Keep setting the expectations high and they will reach those expectations.
I also let my students know that my email will be checked in the early morning and late night. If I have the opportunity to check during the day I will, but this is not likely. I guess they are not "rules" for emailing because I want the student to feel comfortable emailing me with any concern, problem or question.
Sarah,
You have thought this through. Nice to know you have a system that works for you. We can all learn from this system.
Miriam,
Sounds like you have a plan that you can stick with and the students will get feedback in a timely manner. Nice job.
I let my students know that our guidelines are 24 hours during the week and 48 hours on weekend but that since I work from home for my other job I check email continuously throughout the day. I also provide them with a phone number for those messages that can't always wait. I encourage text messages or voicemail as a way to get an immediate reply.
I state that I will answer emails within 24 hrs. during regular business days and within 48 hrs. during weekends.
I like to check my email twice a day if I can. I go in once in the morning and once in the afternoon during Monday to Friday.
On the weekends I go in once a day and only answer emails, which I deem urgent.
Molly,
I use the 24 hour rule and tell the students exactly when I'll check email. I check during office hours at certain times of day. If you answer too quickly or all the time, they will expect it and you will become a 24-7 instructor. Be careful.
I let my students know in our first chat session that I check my email often. I typically check it every 4 to 6 hours unless I am sleeping at night or have a busy day. I tell them to give me 24 hours, but it typically is much sooner. I also tell them that if they haven't heard from me within 24 hours, please email me again just in case I missed it or if their original didn't come thru.
Yvette,
You are stressing professional communication through email. This is a good thing. Twenty-four hours is a good turn around time as well. Some say 24 during the week and 48 hours on weekends.
I do have a few rules for email.
I request that they address me properly (formally as Ms. Adams or Ms. A, rather than 'Yvette'.
I also request that they specify their concerns. Often times, they end up rambling and don't make a specific request. So, on occasion, I have to respond with, "OK, so how can I help you?"
I also make it known the response time. I have received multiple emails from students within the same hour, requesting a response. Since other ways to contact me (i.e. phone number) is always available, I let them know it's a 24 hr response for emails - even though they might often get an answer much more quickly - but it could take up to 24 hrs, so if their concern is of a more urgent nature, they should call me.
