Communication
Outside of class, I use a variety of electronic media to communicate with students. I'm frequently available via email and often send information to a course listserv. Additionally, the front page of the class wiki often contains course announcements, links to readings, items of interest, and assignment reminders:
For synchronous communication outside of class, I use various instant messaging softwares. The easy give and take of IM conversations conveniently allows students to get help (from myself and their peers) on a variety of phases in the writing process. Synchronous communication proves particulalry helpful for students who cannot attend office hours or who need last-minute help before an assignment is due. Students like the one in the conversation below often used IM comunication to clarify ideas for papers before beginning to write:
This student used IM conversations to get advice about specific issues within his drafts:
