From Ghosted To Noted
More Cogent Communication
This semester, I’m experimenting with new ways to make my course announcements and reminders truly stand out. I’m prioritizing clarity, brevity, and creativity.
Whether it’s a bold subject line, a splash of humor, or a quick video update, I’m trying fresh approaches for an otherwise humble and routine mode of course communication.
I began by focusing on clarity and conciseness. Long-winded updates lost my students before they even started reading, so I started keeping my messages short and to the point. Bullet points and bold text became my best friends, allowing students to quickly scan for key details. Instead of sending a dense paragraph about an upcoming quiz, I’d write something like, “Quiz Tomorrow! Chapters 1-3. You’ve got this!” It felt lighter, clearer, and—best of all—students actually clicked on the item.
Engaging language was another game-changer. I stopped sounding like a syllabus and started sounding like a person. When I framed announcements conversationally—“Don’t miss next week’s guest speaker. They’ll blow your mind!”—students seemed more likely to pay attention. I even added multimedia elements like GIFs or short videos to keep things fresh.
Consistency also made a big difference. I established a routine for posting announcements, like a Monday Morning Preview and a Friday Recap. Once students knew when to expect updates, it became easier for them to stay on top of things. And whenever I needed them to act—whether submitting an assignment or attending an event—I made the action clear and simple. “Sign up by Friday” worked much better than burying instructions in the middle of a long paragraph.
Before Your Next Class:
I challenge you to rethink how you craft your course announcements and reminders this semester. These aren’t just logistical updates—they’re opportunities to connect with your students and show them you’re invested in their success. See how small changes can make a big impact. Your students—with the help of your LMS—will thank you!
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