What Does Your Signature Say About You?

We have been talking about emails and communication.  That got me thinking about signatures.  I started to do a little bit of research; okay more like exploration, about signatures.  My first thought was about the expression, "Write your John Hancock on the line."  I mean I know who John Hancock is, but why him?  Why not one of the other founding fathers?  I came across this very interesting article, John Hancock.  Check it out.  I then started to think about my signature.  What does my signature say about me?  Have you ever thought about this?  I found this interesting video and wanted to share it with you.  In this day and age our signatures are more often of the digital form.  Is there a way to make your digital signature more creative and personal?  The answer is "YES!"  Today you are going to work on doing just that.  We will continue our "Email Etiquette Lesson" from earlier.  I have inserted a step.  Let's call it Step 3- Part 2.  This resource will give you all the information you need.  Have fun!

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Email Etiquette

Emailing has become almost as antiquated as "snail mail" in the eyes of students.  There are so many other ways young people communicate today, texting, snapchatting, and instagramming, to name a few.  It is so important for students to understand how to create and send an appropriate email and regular letter as well.  During class my students will take a look at email, and learn the proper way to communicate via this technology.  They will send and receive emails and hopefully walk away being able to show anyone who asks what a good email looks like.  For those of you who still aren't too sure, check out "12 tips for better email etiquette" or "Email Etiquette for Students."
I want to know how students have used email in the past.  We will start off by going to a "wall" on Padlet (formerly Wallwisher).

Image Source:  http://blog.rivaliq.com/5-ways-for-e-commerce-companies-to-integrate-email-and-facebook-marketing/

Good Communication and Follow Up

I have been reviewing the expectations for ILT with students this week in regard to missed classes. I must say, it seems to have paid off!!! I have received 8 emails in the past two days from students who have made up missed work. I realized one piece of the equation I neglected to share with students. We discussed where to email me (white_kim@barnstable.k12.ma.us), what to include in the subject line (re: make up work ILT#), and when (within 1 week of the missed class); however I did not mention checking your email accounts for confirmation. Once you have completed the make up work and sent me an email, it is a good idea to monitor you email accounts for a reply from me. I try my best to send a reply to students within a 48 hour period. So, if you haven’t heard back from me saying “I received your email and have given you credit for the missed class”, you should double check with me. There could have been a mistake in the address you sent it to or some other malfunction. It is technology after all!! Good communication is so important. So “thanks” to those of you who are using your “Effective Effort Strategies” and putting in that “time” to be successful. Keep up the great work and have a super long weekend!
Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate!!

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