Best Practices: Communicate with Your Students
In this article we'll provide some best practices for how to communicate with your students using bCourses or when integrating bCourses into your course design.
Contact students who have not logged in by the second day of the course
It's important that students get used to engaging with your bCourses site right from the start the class or they are likely to miss out on the information and materials shared there. That's why it's good practice to check that every student has logged into the bCourses site no later than the second day of the semester. You will be able to quickly see who has and hasn't logged in via the People page in your course. For those who haven't logged in, reach out to them specifically via email with a gentle reminder that the course has started and encourage them to participate. Studies have shown that specifically directed "nudges" can improve student engagement.
Post a welcome announcement at the start of the course
By posting a welcome announcement in your bCourses site, it will encourage students to visit the site and see it as an active part of the class. Even if you already posted a welcome video on the home page, as was recommended in Module 2, you will still want to post a welcome announcement when the class starts to show students you are present and available, which will set the tone for the entire semester.
Post an announcement at least once a week
Either the instructor or the GSI should post an announcement at least once a week. These announcements can be additional insight on course content, guidance on assignments, answers to student questions, logistical directions—whatever is necessary for the course at that point in time. By posting regularly, you will show students that you are active in the bCourses site and it will allow you to give real-time feedback or answers to questions relevant to the entire class. You will likely find that you will want to post more than once a week!
Use the Inbox or your official Berkeley email address for all communication with students
It is recommended that you use the Inbox to correspond with students. By using the Inbox, you will be able to easily reference the correspondence specifically with your students by accessing it all in one location.
However, if you already have a communication system you are used to and don't want to switch to the Inbox, then it is recommended that you use your Berkeley email address, as opposed to a personal address, when emailing students. Again, this will help you stay organized in your communications since you will not have multiple accounts to check.