Jean,
We continue to learn from each other. Thanks so much.
Many times of I see a trend of questions I will post an announcement and follow up with a email that relates the same information.
For example if technical issues are consistent with an assignment . I will post a FAQ announcement and email.
It helps to reduce redundant emails and trouble shoot ahead of assignment deadlines.
In this way I eliminate the midnight text and calls from students.
Thanks for sharing a great letter of encouragement but accountability to students and the process of learning online!
Jean Graham
robert,
Sounds like you have a system that works for your and your students. Others need to find a system too. This will help them. Thank you for your continued input.
The strategies I utilize in my classes that I find reduce frequent emails from students are my emails sent to the entire class on a weekly basis. Emails include invitations to live chats, reminders about office hours and links to archived chats. I find that as long as the students know where to find course relevant information it tremendously cuts down of the number of email I receive.
Leigh,
You've develop some common answers to save you time. Now, think about switching that communication to a discussion board instead of email so all students can benefit from the questions and answers. It will reduce your email too. Thanks!
Melissa,
Announcements and tips for success can both be beneficial for students. We have to help them refer to the resources we provide in our proactive communication. Thanks!
Dr. James and Robert,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. I use the FAQ discussion board for all questions and ask students to check that for answers. If they email me and I know the question has been answered, I refer them again to the FAQ discussion board. After awhile, they do that and don't email me. It helps with email overload. Thanks!
Dr. James ,
Perfect. Students need to know where they can ask questions and can also develop a good relationship with others as they answer other students' questions. Thanks!
Many of my students do not find it necessary to send me an email during the course, at all. This is probably because the same questions are answered in many places within the classroom- the syllabus, course announcements, comments on the DB, etc., are all geared to overlap and present the same ideas in different ways.
When I do get emails, I use a (very long, well over 30 pages) document I have developed with common responses. This saves me from having to type the same information over again. I always tailor the answer to the student/question, though.
In many cases, when to email a professor is something that a student learns about through trial and error. If they are emailing too much (many times every day), a simple note may help, or I may speak with a student advisor and have them contact the student. Things like this are ongoing and part of the learning process.
One thing I do to try and eliminate frequently asked questions about technology components of the course is to send announcements related to standard course navigation (how to post an assignment, view your grade, participate in the DB forum, etc.)as group emails.
At the beginning of the Learning Week, I post an announcement (and send an email) outlining the work to be completed for that week as well as my suggestions for how best to complete that work.
Being proactive in anticipating the types of questions students will have is one way to reduce the number of times an instructor will have to individually answer the same question.
Saudat,
Having a regimen like this and being consistent in your communication with students is grate. Thanks for these tips.
Robert: I like your comment about answering every email. I also try to do the same. However, I times I find that some students continue to email me even after the main question has been answered. I believe at times this is due to lack of social contact with other people. I try to be as kind as possible with a student when I sense this may be the case.
I set up an additional chat room for questions and answers concerning the material in the Unit or the course every week. The Units are one week long and in most cases I set the additional chat room up one day before the end of the unit.
One strategy that I implement in my courses that I find reduces the frequency of emails and enhances communication between myself and students is an email that I draft at the beginning of each week.
It is part of my regimen and the email will typically include guiding information for that week, important announcements, and answers to FAQs. I make sure that I introduce some general ideas about the topic that will be covered, reiterate chat schedules and also include media attachments, which might include videos or website links that are helpful in introducing students to the key concepts and broadening their understanding.
When students receive my email as the new week begins it helps to set the tone of what they might expect moreover, it makes them feel more engaged and also recognized as important participants in the course.
These standard weekly emails help me to address common concerns upfront thereby, stemming the flow of inquires via email.
Deborah,
Checklists can help students stay on track and feel good about what they have accomplished in the course. Sounds like you are doing lots of things to help the students be successful. Thanks!
Some of the reasons students email or class is because they are confused with assignment directions or content. To aid the student in learning as well as feeling less stressed (as well as helping me manage time), I provide checklists with step by step directions on assignments as well as presentations that explain vocabulary, give examples, describe models, etc. It may take some time in the beginning of a class as I prepare but these extra steps help reduce the communications. Further, I cover the step by step directions, give students a Library tour each week, and focus on how to complete an assignment in chat sessions.
One technique I have had some success with is to have students break down the assignment directions with me and then develop a writing outline. I have students tell me what topics need to be researched also. This technique aids students and seems to reduce the communications because everything is within a chat recording if the student did not attend live.
Thomas,
Expectations must be set, clear and be communicated. You are so right.
Keep it up!
By make my expectations clear in an "expectations" document and post a FAQ for students to search for answers to common questions.
I also like to use a "questions" discussion thread. Often I will find other students have already answered questions by referring them to class links, the FAQ or expectations. It also allows me to see if their are any questions multiple students have quickly and answer them at the same time.
Austin,
I like that term "classroom expectation statement." Glad the weekly announcements and office hours help reduce your email overload. Anything we can do to help with email overload is a great thing. Thanks!
