I also remind my students about email etiquette and include that information in the course syllabus, instructor files, and announcements. I find the ongoing challenge to be making an email direct but also personable. We do not want to sound like robots!
Jacqueline,
Students are familiar with email and it is a good way to share files and provide feedback. It is important to remind students that an email to an instructor is professional communication and texting langugage is not appropriate. Thanks for sharing.
Email communication is effective because it is a common and familiar means of communication. Compared to voiceover methods, email communication can also improve writing skills. I find this to be important for students who are writing papers. I think any opportunity to communicate in writing helps with one's writing skills. One other advantage is that it allows the information to be stored, forwarded and even used as an insert.
The only thing about email which disappoints me is when students type as if they are texting. Whenever this happens, I remind the students that email is a professional form of communication and has essentially replaced the use of interoffice memos and whenever they use emails, they should prepare the text professionally.
Kathleen,
I love that when my students email me through Blackboard, it automatically puts the course name in the subject line. But, I do tell my students to make sure it is in the subject line and if they don't I send it back without replying.
I agree with all of the comments about putting the course title in the subject line. I teach more than one course, and in the beginning of the quarter before I know which course each student is enrolled in it is frustrating if the course name is not included in the subject line. After the course name, then the assignment name or week number can be added.
I also find that sometimes students think email grammar is the same as text messaging as far as using phrases and no punctuation. I emphasize that emails are meant to be professional, and that they should send messages that are grammatically correct in preparation for what they will be doing in the workplace.
Eleanor and Marcia,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. I too tell my students that an email to me is professinal communcation. Keep up the good work.
Hi Marcia,
Thank you for the discussing the importance of a well-written email. It is such an important skill that will be of value throughout your entire life. I try to tell my students that sending an email to me as the instructor is a perfect opportunity to practice professional email writing.
Alice,
Don't be an email hoarder. . .you can get out of the 'dump.' ;-) Keep trying.
Thanks for your input.
I have one problem with my emails...I use it as my "INBOX". This waste time and effort, I realize, however, I have been doing this since I got email in my first job. I do not "clean" the box until I have dealt with the email and answered and took action accordingly. I also do not delete. I file. I have a whole filing cabinet in my email, personal and professional. This way I hope I can retrieve anything I need at a later time. Email hoarder? I'm not sure, but I am never lost for long about any subject.
Tyson,
I tell my students NOT to eamil me unless it's a personal issue. All questions go on the FAQ discussion board so all students can benefit from the question and answer. I give extra credit for students answering other students' questions. Works for me. Helps me handle email overload.
I have heard some people say that you should keep your inbox to a minimum of 25 emails, but when I have hundreds of students and many topics I worry about deleting emails. What are your thoughts about keeping a "clean inbox?"
Letrice,
Definitely. I remind and I put information in the syllabus. I relate it to professional communcation and that helps.
Thanks!
Jeanette,
Some instructors teach more than one class, so it's even more important to make sure we know who we are communicating with. It helps them learn to communicate better as well. Thanks for sharing.
Deana and Marcia,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. I'm a "deleter" too. I tell them very clearly that this will happen and they learn quickly to supply a subject line. But - Deana - I can see your point.
I find myself having to remind students of email etiquette. The frustrations of the online environment sometimes gets to them and it will show in the communication within the email. I usually post weekly announcements to remind them of what should be included within the email and what should not. It's an ongoing challenge!
Letrice Mitchell
I encourage student to always indicate in the subject line exactly what the email is about. For instance, if the student simply write " Week 4 Grade" - this does not tell me the assignment and/or test they are referring to.
Knowing what the subject is help me to provide the best answer. If students have questions about assignments I advise them to tell me the 1) Assignment Name 2) Week of Assignment 3) Specific question number they are referring to.
Marcia:
I must admit, I like to tell my students to add a subject line; however, deleting messages scares me, too. I often have students who suggest I never replied to their message - this concerns when it comes to the course survey. I would not want students to suggest I was not communicative during the course; however, at the same time, students need and should follow instructions. It seems like a catch 22! Thanks for replying.
Marcia,
The subject line should be concise and clear. I tell my students that without a subject line. . .I hit the delete button. I get too much spam to try and decipher which emails are/are not spam. AND - professionalism includes a subject line. Thanks for your input.
