Earl,
I love the mid-way check-ins. I think this is imporant. I too watch the BBoard statistics to see if students have logged into the course a dn how long they stayed in the course. Then, send out "reminders" to check in. Thanks for your input.
Janis,
When I get an email I tell the student to post it on the FAQ discussion board for everyone's benefit. Then, it is their job. Thanks.
Announcements is a tool I use to reduce emails.
If I get ONE email about a topic with a question from a student then I know that others might also have the same questions - so I answer that person and then post an announcement.
Jan
While not the most complex structure, I attempt to check and respond to emails at least 2x a day. This generally keeps the overall load down so that I do not spend hours replying to emails. I also immediately archive emails after replying. This works to keep the inbox empty and therefore less overwhelming.
In contact with students, I frequently (no more than 1x a week) utilize mass emails without specific overt indication that I'm sending a mass email. Here's an example:
"Hi! I just wanted to check in and see how you're holding up. We're mid-way through and class can get overwhelming sometimes. I just wanted to remind you that I'm here if you need something. Let me know if I can help you at all.
Best,
Earl"
Generally, I get 5-6 replies out of 35 students. Half of those are just "Thank you for asking!" emails and the other half are students who have questions but were afraid to ask.
ALSO: I forgot to mention that I copy students emails into the bcc line so that no one sees the recipients and I send the email to myself.
Thanks,
Earl
Robert,
I also file things into folders in my email system. I can always go back and refer to something in the folders, but our deleted and sent emails are automatically deleted permanently from the system after a certain amount of time, so filing is important.
I use a file system for emails. But most important is to reply. every email whether it is about a late assignment, a question, a problem is answered within a couple of hours. "Thank you for your note. etc. appropriate to the situation". I've found that students want to know that their message was received and a simple acknowledgement goes a long way. The key is to let students know that you're listening to them and have received their message!
I also send a letter of encouragement to every student at the end of the first week...whether they've completed assignments or not.
"I’m writing to compliment your participation in the course and extend any help you may need to be successful. Given the busy lives you all lead I want you to feel free to let me know if there are expectations in the course not being met. This includes your expectations of me. Feel free to let me know anytime there is something that you’d like me to add to optimize your learning experience. This is an important step in your life requiring a large sacrifice of time and effort. I’m here to help you have a most effective and full university journey.
Remember that this course is a collaborative effort. Working together as colleagues builds professionalism and is a strong element of working in healthcare."
Feel free to copy the letter if you find it helpful.
Julie,
I let the students post FAQs and give extra credit to other students who answer the questions correctly and completely. I tell students NOT to email me, but post the question on the FAQ. It helps a lot.
What strategies do you use to reduce emails and improve communication with your students?
• I make sure that the syllabus, announcements, welcome emails, and calendar are clear as to what students are expected to do (I use different fonts, highlights, etc.)
• I send out daily e-mail reminders
• I post daily announcements (colorful, eye catching pictures (gifs)
• I post FAQ with answers
denise,
Email reminders can go a long way and now I'm going to try the app Remind101 which will send information to students as a text. They seem to check them more often.
Thanks for your input.
Thanks!
I find that similar email reminders help me, so why not incorporate them into the class.
denise,
Posting something each week helps keep their attention and they realize they have to "check in" each week. Your post may help others think about doing the same thing. Thanks!
I like to post something new each week as well. Instead of posting everything at once, I post relevant items each week.
I send out reminder emails each week regarding assignments and expectations.
Guerda,
I think it's good to do something every week so the students see that something is going on. If you set everything up the first day and then just expect them to finish everything by the last day with no other interaction, they forget. So do I. ;-)
Thanks for your input.
I place announcements at the beginning of every week that way students know expected of them for that particular week. Anything that may raise confusion or provoke questions is addressed at the beginning of the course to avoid an overload of emails.
Miriam,
Social interaction and feeling that they are a part of a group/community is important. Keep up the good work.
Miriam,
Right. We have to remind students more than we may like sometimes, but it's important to clearly communicate. Thank you.
Mia,
Announcements are global and all students can see them and be reminded of things they need to know. It's a quick way to tell them something and I like how you use clip art too to get their attention. Nice job.
I totally agree about making the course as social as possible within the limitations of the online delivery. Like Mary Poppins sang, "Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down."
It is essential to have News posts, announcements, emails , syllabus and maybe a course calendar or agenda, which clearly inform students about what to do and how to do it successfully.
Course announcements are required in every instructor's course, but I find them to be most effective at reducing misunderstandings. I have always appreciated having thins in black-and-white to reference when I have questions. It helps me to get a clear understanding of what's expected of me and give me an idea of how I want to use my time to meet those expectations. I also like to inject a little humor in my announcements or emails; I think it make them a little more appealing to students and more memorable as well. A little clipart that coincides with the message in the email or announcement helps to give students a visual, like tying a yellow ribbon around your finger.
