Teaching Students to Correspond Effectively Electronically

Abstract

In their business careers, today's students will probably compose and send far more e-mail messages than memos or letters. Students should understand that e-mail messages have a unique place in the communications continuum and, therefore, their own rules. While the format of an e-mail message may resem ble that of a memo, each element presents special requirements in an elec tronic medium. The interactivity of e-mail offers both opportunities and constraints to writers and readers. A special etiquette also applies to e-mail, especially the need to avoid flaming and spamming and to check e-mail often. While writers often think their office e-mail is private, employers who own the systems have been upheld legally in their right to monitor e-mail for business reasons, and thus students should pay careful attention to the content and tone of their messages. Assigning e-mail projects in class helps students prepare for this important communications medium, work effectively in teams, and corre spond with corporations as part of their classroom research.