Communication via email
Communication on the job via email is fading quickly. Instant messaging is becoming more popular.
Gloria,
My students note that they text more than email for sure. There was an article last week I think in the Chronicle about how college students refer to email as boring. I can think of many other things more boring. Ha! Thanks for your input.
In the classes I teach, texting is not an option provided. Email is the main method, with online office hours as a close second, and voice mails as a third option. Even in my full type position, email is the main method used by all the operating companies worldwide. Due to the multiple time zones, email really is the only option. I am not sure if text messages would work due to the type of answers required. I know the volume would be more than I could afford, but would not be as beneficial as an email with the details normally required by the type of question. If the university provided the funding for texting, we might be able to develop some type of response that would be beneficial, such as I will respond in detail as soon as I can, but still not a complete answer.
cynthia,
Probably most online instructors use email as the main method of communication, but that can get us in to email overload problems. I communicate mainly on the discussion board and use FAQ discussion boards as well. Thanks for your input.
Most of the questions I receive in emails are about grades and maybe some about group projects. I do use the DBs but only for the topics for that unit. Oh, I am already on email overload at my full time position and fully understand!
cynthia,
Do you use rubrics? That takes care of many questions about grades. Keep moving forward. You can do it.
Yes....these are provided in an uploaded document before class begins, covered in the first chat and also copied into the actual feedback provided.....
cynthia,
Excellent. Sounds like you are on target. Thanks for adding to the conversation and for your input in this forum.
I find texting to be the biggest venue for student communication. I get a quicker response from students than I get when I call or e-mail students. Often, I am using texting to re-engage students that have stepped away from our class and that I have not seen consistent participation in class. I will continue to use texting as long as the millennial generation continues to use it!
While texting is encouraged by my institution for basic things (like reminding students of deadlines and lectures), I find that email is really a better venue for private, documented conversations. It's great to be able to specifically explain course requirements and upload any files that need to be included--which texting, although more immediate and personal, cannot do. Texting is fine for small things, but it can also be invasive when it's your personal line. Emails are documented and while more corporate, are better for messages that need a lot of detail.
Stephanie,
Many students do text more than they email. The response does seem to be quicker, but we have to keep in mind that for all students, this may not be the communication vehicle of choice. Thanks!
Katina,
I see where you are coming from. There are certain communication tools that may be better for some students than the others. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Hello Gloria,
In regards to your posting, what I am experiencing is, my students still prefer the use of email. I have extended the opportunity to text me for a more immediate response outside of the institution set time frame from instructors to reply; however my students will opt to use the traditional email communication.
Thank you,
Zakevia
Dr. Zakevia and Gloria,
We are finding many instructors still use email and it works for them. Others are using Facebook and texting and that is working for them. Teaching is a very personal thing and we have to find what works for us. Thanks!
I would argue that it depends on the place you work. I have worked at organizations (private and educational) and the difference can be substantial.
One theory of encouraging email is that it provides and easier "paper" trail of communication. People should keep in mind however that many companies have systems in place to record all communication on their network, including chat.
Ron
Ron,
Good point. Each institution does have different rules and regulations. We have to think about that as we progress through the course and develop our communication process. Thanks!
