Like us, students get a lot of messages in their inbox, which leads to students’ eyes glazing over, and then our messages get lost in the mix. How can we avoid that? Set up a consistent communication protocol that is shared with students the first week and then stick to it.
Here’s an example: Once a week, send students a message that includes what is upcoming along with other important information or announcements. Send that update on the same day each week so that students know that on Friday (or whichever day you choose) they will get a class update. We are going for quality rather than quantity. Yes, this takes a little planning ahead, but the resulting clarity of communication will pay off. You can preplan these messages via Canvas in part based on milestones such as upcoming exams or projects that need to be completed in multiple parts: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-delay-posting-an-announcement-until-a-specific-date-in/ta-p/1203.
This article discusses multiple ways to maximize communication through other means in addition to the announcements section, such as course webpage, and student-friendly assignment schedules: https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/online-course-design-and-preparation/dont-spam-your-students-and-other-practical-communication-tips/?st=FFdaily%3Bsc%3DFF210222%3Butm_term%3DFF210222&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Don+t+Spam+Your+Students+and+Other+Practical+Communication+Tips
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