Today, while looking for a sample of an Ignite presentation (yes, I could have used Chris Lehmann’s, but I wanted something a little lighter) to show to some students and colleagues, I came across this video of an Ignite presentation in Boise, Idaho. The presenter in the video, Erik Goodlad, reminds us that while most people know how to perform the task of emailing, many people don’t know how to email. Erik, a tele-commuter, somewhat humorously provides tips for improving email communications.

Below the video I’ve listed some email guidelines that I have for my students and I’d love to read your additions to the list in the comments.

My guidelines for student to teacher email communications:

1. Always include a subject. “Hi,” “hey,” and “hello” don’t count. Similarly, simply using “homework” or “hw” doesn’t count as a suitable subject. Give me an idea of what your email is about.

2. Much like subject lines, don’t start your email to me with “hey” or a similar greeting. Call me old-fashioned, but I think students should address their teachers as Mr. Ms. Mrs. or Miss.

3. If you’re mad when you’re writing your email, wait an hour then re-read your email before you press send.