Texting versus emailing
Is it appropriate for students to text the instructor? If so, what circumstances would a text be more appropriate than an email?
Joi ,
We all don't use the same communication tools and we have to find what works for us. If it's email and the phone, that works for some and others like the quickness and simplicity of texting. Thanks for your input.
I personally do not like when a student texts me, nor do I use texting as a form of communication. There is nothing wrong with texting generally, but my hope is that the student learns how to communicate with me verbally or through written emails. When a student writes an email this is another opportunity for them to work on their grammar and logical thinking skills on how to address their facilitator. I think text messages do not always convey that because it is habit to use abbreviations or incomplete sentences. I think verbally communicating is also another way to get them used to fully verbalizing their thoughts and perfecting their listening skills.
Kendrick,
We have to continue our efforts to help students keep professional writing and communication skills as a part of their life. Thanks for sharing.
I could not agree more. Emailing is definitely more professional than sending a text. Therefore, in my opinion, it should not be used in a online/ educational environment. I think that it is ruining the writing skills of the youth. It is already hard for most students to decipher between formal/informal language, this will only make it more difficult.
Elie,
Has anyone used Remind 101? It allows you to text all students at once. This would be good for test reminders, etc. students do text more than email.
Overall I don't think that texting would be an appropriate way for students to communicate with an instructor, but with that said in today's world it cannot be ruled out. So what would be an appropriate time for a student to text an instructor when they would need a brief answer to a problem that they encountered during the time that they are working on assignments. That way the instructor could guide them quickly so that they can move one with their work.
Bernadette,
The boundaries and expectations set for the students is essential. You are so right in your last statement. Communication must be clear. Thanks for your input.
Bernadette,
Makes sense. Have you tried Remind 101? You can set up an account, the students may have the option (I don't require it) to sign up and then you can text all that have signed up all at once.
I agree with you, when you define and set boundaries it proves to be successful..
Although you may have one or two who will not comply all the time or may even require a little more (one on one) than other students..Clear communication is Key!
For me personally, I only do text messaging for a small class~less than 20 students...
It can become a bit cumbersome and depending on the subject can go on and on..
RICARDO and Debra,
You bring up very good points about when certaing type of communications may be more appropriate than others. This is the kind of information students need. Thanks!
Ms Debra Hunter:
Thank you for your question. I think it is appropriate for students to text the instructor in the event of an emergency. An email would be more appropriate for daily or weekly correspondence between student and instructor because they provide a reliable "paper trail" within the course for current and future reference. For ease of communication, students should refrain from textspeak and proofread for spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors before posting. This will also ensure the professional tone and substance that are essential to an academic forum.
Dr. Ricardo Richards
Rob,
Many instructors do use texting to communicate with students. You have to remember that it will be a brief message, but many use to remind students of upcoming tests or assignments. We each have to do what works for us and our students. Thanks!
I think that for a lot of our students, texting is simply a more efficient means of contact; many of them use this as their primary means of communication, so as long as it's not violating any school policies, this may actually be the BEST means of contact for many of them. One possible downside to this however might be if the thread of communication needed to be forwarded to administration for some reason: email is often much more straightforward in this regard.
Yetunde,
I agree. I explain to the students that email is professional communication when communicating with a boss, professor, etc. It can be more informal with friends. Thanks!
Emailing seems more professional than texting. I will use both blackboard e-mail and personal e-mail concurrently if the information is very important.
Ngozi-ka,
I use the discussion board as a way to help alleviate email/texing overload. And, I tell the students when I will be checking the discussion board. In your case, it would NOT be while you're at work, but then they know when to expect an answer.
I think the student should have options. I would explain that they would need to send an email first and then a text messege or both. In my case, since this is a part time job, I would not be able to recieve text messeges while on my job. That's not professional.
Dawn,
Oh yes - they want immediate feedback. I have actually defined the word "immediate" for my students. Immediate is 24 hours for me.
I make this clear in my syllabus and note when I will be checking email and BBoard. It's worked for me.
