Hello
I usually communicated via announcements so all students benefit from the information and the odds are that if one student has a question, many others have the same question. If the issue is specific to one student's performance in the class I will send an email. In order for students to email me, I require that they include the course information and topic in the subject line. It is difficult to manage otherwise with multiple courses and hundreds of students. Other that, as long as student emails are related to the course content or their progress, I will reply to all emails.
Samantha Carlo
Dr. Christopher,
It's nice to have options for communicating with students. I use the discussion board the most and do not email much as well. I have over 200 students in the course; therefore, do everything to stop email overload. Thanks for your input.
I don't email students. Our LMS (Moodle) provides the capability to privately message students. This communication is logged and saved, as is the time they read it and respond. That way there is never misunderstanding of what was sent and received. I also have 15 minutes to edit and change the message before it is delivered (this has been a life-saver) occasionally. If a student emails me I reply to them inside the framework of the LMS quoting their message as a part of the private message. Again, this provides some tracking and also proves to our accrediting body that there is communication that works between the instructor and the student. For all other types of communication that would normally require privacy I may make an appointment to pick up the phone and call. It seems to make a big difference doing that.
-Chris
Walt,
The 24 hour rule is a good one an excluding weekends is acceptable as well. Confidentiality is a must. Good point. Thanks for bringing that to the table.
Kimberly,
I call this "beginner's mind." Think back to whenever you did anything for the first time - rode a bike, drove a car, etc. It's back to the basics. Good perspective in online learning too.
Good Afternoon,
At the beginning of every new online course, I always go in with the assumption that this is their first time interacting in an online course environment - it's usually not the case but this helps me level set expectations of behavior in the course. There are some controversial topics that have been covered so I always try to get ahead of that and make sure that students know it's not a platform for an argument and to always speak to each other respectfully. You can disagree and still be polite and respect each others different opinions. Then I review basic netiquette guidelines which I take from here: http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/
I look forward to reading others' ideas!
Thanks,
Kim
Some of my rules for emailing students are:
1)Reply within 24 hours. I usually reply a lot sooner, unless its a weekend when its a little longer.
2)Always send and reply to student messages through the course's online system (also our school's rule). Avoid exchanging emails directly with students.
3)Treat every email as confidential.
4)Keep it friendly, but always be professional, matter of fact, and to the point.
5)Proofread, spell check, and otherwise set set a professional standard with my writing.
6)Maintain the proper instructor/student boundry.
Steven ,
My rule is within 24 hours, but so many times is much quicker than that. Thanks!
Steven ,
Having that record of communication comes in handy sometimes. Good point.
I agree with Mr. Boye as I have been hampered also by the boundary items he has listed. I too, respond within hours of receiving any student e-mail.
I use the school e-mail as my primary source for responding to student questions and inquiries. With the school e-mail I have a record of all inter-action, as well as to what has and had transpired. In addition, my responses are always short and to the point as the explanation allows.
Todd,
Good rules. I agree that it's important to keep it professional. Thanks for your input.
My rules for emailing are:
Use a salutation
Check spelling and grammar
Sign you name
Remember to keep your email messages professional, we (instructor and student) want to create a professional learning environment.
Victor,
More of my students use text rather than email. As long as we are consistent with our communication, that's the key.
I email them within 24 hours. I find that not all students use email. You would think that it would be basic for an online class, but some aren't. I try to call or email those and find that sometimes they have email issues that I didn't about, so assuming that they aren't responding isn't exactly true.
Cameron,
Anything to reduce stress. I'm all for that - and keep with the 24 hour rule that you've set. Nice job.
I have my Google voice number as a backup for communication. I ask students to email first and I inform them of the 24 hour window to set their expectations. If Items are pressing I ask students to call or text the Google Voice number and if I can reply quickly I will reply via email, text or call them back if necessary during my 'on' times which is well within the 24 hour window. The boundary of time and space is critical and it greatly reduces stress and increases efficiency if 'on' times and 'off' times are observed. Sometimes exceptions are necessary but those exceptions should be chosen carefully.
Marcia,
I like the live chats as well and have online office hours through Adobe Connect. Sounds like you are using a variety of communication methods. Thanks for your input.
Requirements may vary from college to college. Generally, I do my best to reply quickly, although proscribed windows may be twenty-four or forty-eight hours. I also provide students with a phone number for emergencies.
I really like email, and I find it a good method for academic and professional communication. I often mention in Discussion Board activities that I hope students will practice using Standard English and professional diction in all forms of communication in the class. I urge this in Live Chat comments, Discussion Forum posts, and in emails.
Often people may need to know different registers of language in life and for work, and although texting is a useful register, it is not always appropriate for some communication. Occasionally, there may be a student who has relied on this for essentially all of his or her written communication, but I try to get these students to expand writing capabilities.
Chris,
Many online instructors and institutions use the 24 or 48 hour rule. The key is to be consistent and, as you said, be clear through your communication. Thanks!
