YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT IS TO SEND AN EMAIL TO ME. READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE DOING SO.
1 Never use all capitals when emailing. This is considered the written equivalent of shouting and is considered very RUDE.
2 Never use emoticons :), pictures, stylized signatures, closing quotes, sales pitches, stationery, etc. in course emails. In other words, if your software automatically adds pictures or quotes or Bible verses or your business slogan or anything else when you send an email, disable that feature when you send a course email.
All course emails should use black print on a white background. Just as you would not use pink paper and add a cute picture and quote to a term paper for a traditional class, so such things should not be added to communication in online classes. If you email from your workplace, this applies to your work email as well. The only exception to this is if you use an email service that requires their name be at the bottom of all emails. All of these things add size and download to time to your emails. Multiply that by a couple of hundred emails and you see the problem. Plus ... it's simply not appropriate for a college course.
3 As with any written college communication, your emails should use appropriate grammar and spelling. Appropriate grammar and spelling do not include IM lingo. I understand BTW and LOL and etc., but no lingo is appropriate for use in college communication. At the beginning of your course, I will encourage you to work on any spelling and grammar problems I see. As the course progresses, I will expect any problems to improve. Almost all colleges have writing labs and tutors that can help you improve in these areas. Now is the time for you to take advantage of those resources. If your college does not offer help, let me know. I have some excellent online resources.
4 Never add me to any groups or group mails or mail lists. Even if you don't purposefully add people, check your software. Some software is set up to add anyone you communicate with to your personal list, which then becomes a group. This means that after someone emails you the first time, they automatically receive every email you send to anyone. MY software is more exclusive than inclusive ... if it receives spam from your email address, that address is marked and every future email is deleted before I ever see it.
5 No matter how "neat" you think something is, please do not forward it to me. Our communication should be limited to course communication. Sending unsolicited email to anyone is never appropriate. That's especially true in a college course.
6 When you send assignments, do not use attached files unless we have established that our computers are compatible and I can open your attachment.. Sometimes there is too much danger of sending a virus in this manner and it is extremely time-consuming to save and open attached files. Until told otherwise, copy and paste your paper into the body of your email message.
7 Never assume I know what you are talking about! If you and I are in the middle of an ongoing discussion always include or refer to previous messages. I know you know what we've been talking about, but sometimes I don't. For example, if your message is the 93rd one IÕve received today and it reads simply, "Mrs. Casstevens, what do you mean by that?" chances are I have no idea to what you're referring. Treat me like I am exceptionally stupid: "Mrs. Casstevens, we've been talking about such and such and you told me to do such and such and I have no idea what you mean by that." Better yet, simply hit the 'reply' button when we're in an ongoing discussion and that will include all of our previous messages to each other.
8 Although I respond to every message, please be a little patient. I usually respond within 24 hours but there are busy times during the semester when that's simply not possible. Too, I am out of the country from time to time and so not available ... I always post such absences in advance on this page as an announcement. If you do not get a reply from me within 48 hours, try three things. Check the announcements on this page for any schedule conflicts, check the subject line of the email you sent me (explained in your syllabus), and check the computer you used (again, explained in your syllabus). It's disheartening to take an announced day off and then come online to find 14 emails from the same person asking why I haven't answered their emails. So É be patient.
9 Always identify yourself. Sign all emails with both your first and last name.ÊI will not assume I know who you are with simply your email address or a first name only. If I'm not sure, I will either return your email or delete it. For the subject line of your emails, see the examples below.
10 Finally, keep in mind that email communication is not face-to-face. Always be explicit and friendly. Since we cannot see each otherÕs facial expression, there is always the possibility of miscommunication. Keep a couple of things in mind. Brevity: out of necessity, I am usually very pithy in my communications with you. My brevity is not meant to imply a lack of concern. Responsibility: I will not do your work for you ... this is college! If you email asking for a due date, my reply will tell you to check the syllabus. If you email asking for the definition of X, my reply will tell you to read chapter X. If, on the other hand, you don't understand a concept and it's clear to me that you have done everything you can to figure it out, I'll take as long with you as is needed. That's my job! If you are a person who tends to be easily offended, remember that things are different when you communicate by email. Be nice É assume the best.
NOTE: On the subject line of EVERY email, put your name and the topic for the email. An example:
Ann Casstevens: MY EMAIL ADDRESS
or
Ann Casstevens: QUESTION ABOUT CLASS ATTENDANCE
or
Ann Casstevens: LAB 1 OBSERVING CHILDREN LEARN
or
Ann Casstevens: ABSENCE SEPT 5
or
Ann Casstevens: WHY ASSIGNMENT IS LATE