Reflections and Updates: After some consideration, I decided to leave the table for organization of contact methods, but I took out the border, so it looks less boxy. I think this is a good balance between usability and visual appeal! I have also added a piece to the email instructions that asks students to identify the course, their concern and their name. This will help me as an instructor to filter and sort email. After reviewing the portfolios of peers, I have added instructions for leaving messages using any of the contact methods that indicate the students name, course and reason for contact. I have also added that if I have not responded within 48 hours, students should try an alternate means of communication.
Providing specific means and guidelines for student-instructor contact is crucial in establishing a sense of community. Adhering to those guidelines is also important, to ensure that online teaching does not dominate your life 24 hours a day, and that students feel a sense of connection with the instructor. |
| In person |
Stop by the library
Monday through Friday 8:15 am - 3:15 pm Eastern Standard Time
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| Email |
smersand@yorktown.org
Please use a subject line that identifies the course, the request and your identity. Example: HF - Assignment Question - Jen Smith
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| Text |
1-518-965-XXXX (Please indicate who you are in the text message)
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| Phone |
1-914-243-8050 ext 11800
Monday through Friday 8:15 am - 3:15 pm Eastern Standard Time
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| Google Voicemail |
1-913-READER1 [1-(913) 732-3371]
Anytime
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| Google Hangouts |
smersand@yorktown.org
Please DO NOT attempt a Video Hangout with me between 9PM and 9AM Eastern Standard Time
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When leaving a message on any of the above services, please indicate your full name, the name of the course, and the reason for your communication so that I may prepare myself to answer your questions to the best of my ability. I try to respond to all messages within 24 hours during the week, 48 hours if over a school break. If you have not had a response in that time, please contact me again, or use an alternate contact method.
Why did you choose the contact methods you listed?
- I chose various methods of contact so there is no excuse from students not to use one. My students are High School Students, and are located in the building with me, even if our classes are not face-to-face, so they can always stop in for a face to face visit, they can also email me at any time, call the library, or start a Google Hangout with me (we are a Google Apps for EDU school). Beyond that, I have a Google Voice number, which goes directly to voicemail, or that I can choose to have ring my home or cell phones, depending on what else is going on in my personal life. I also include my cell phone number because students are comfortable with text messages. (I did not actually put the number on this site, because I don't want it out there for the entire world to see!)
- If this were adult learners from one of my Professional Development courses, I would give out my personal email address rather than the school email address, and my home phone number.
What limitations will you place on student contacts?
- The only limitations I place on student contacts are between the hours of 9PM and 9AM. I am always available to my students, and if I am not, they can leave a message. I know that as a learner, if I have to wait for a specific window I may forget what I needed help with. Because none of these contact methods would cause any interruption in my life, I feel it is appropriate to leave them without further restrictions, and not answer if I am otherwise engaged.
How will you separate personal and work availability? (Do you want students calling you at 3 AM on Sunday morning?)
- See above
- I also include a message that students should expect a response within 24-48 hours, I feel this is reasonable given other things I may have going on in my life, and it gives them a window in which they don't have to worry that I have not gotten back to them. I do, however, try to respond much sooner than that.
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