Email eLearning- Using Email as a Course Management System

For distance education, online course mangement systems are often appropriately used to facilitate discussions and other activities associated with the instructional process. Course management systems are also often used to add an online component to face-to-face instructional experiences. Some of the oft-used features in this type of a blended/hybrid learning setting include discussion board, file sharing/storage and the sending out of announcements.

Often, a simple email discussion list could just as well provide at least the same functionality of the features mentioned above without requiring the learner to become familiar with a new a course management system. Here are some ideas on how to take full advantage of an existing technology (email) that everyone is familiar with to encourage learning, especially blended learning situations. The term discussion list is being used with the same meaning as a listserv.

1. Announcements This one is obvious, if an instructor needs to let students know about something he or she simply send out an email to the listserv and it automatically goes to everyone’s inbox. (Hopefully there isn’t anyone out there using a CMS simply for the purpose of emails other students).
2. Discussions This seems to be a common feature for instructors who desire to add an online component to their face-to-face teaching situation. Using a CMS you log in, browse to the discussion section, find whatever thread you are looking for and then read and post. Using a listserv the discussion arrives in your inbox and you click reply when you want to respond to a discussion thread- easy. Small group discussions would also be possible although it would require a second discussion list to be set up.
3. File storage and sharing As long as the nature of an assignment allows it to be shared by the group then it can be sent as an attachment where others in the group can read and comment (and grade) and the attachment is then automatically archived. Discussion list archives can be public or private.

Another advantage of using a discussion list where possible is that understanding and being able to use such lists effectively is a great way to promote future professional development in relevant discussion lists.

More Reading…

Syllabus of an entire course on Using Email in Instruction
Email games from Thiagi.com