Response to Jodi Cook

I'd like to respond to yours in light of mine. It seems to me that you tool the e-mail journal one step beyond the standard, and accepted, idea of having the entire class be the audience, which is what my classes did. Frequently, their weekly posts revealed a disconnect with the audience; they became a simple completion of "Friday's e-mail assignment."

Your first attempt to create greater awareness of audience that had students writing directly to you, reminded me of posts sent by some of my student who were more familiar with the technology. When they had questions or concerns they contacted me directly, appealing to a real audience. However, as you stated that conversation excluded the rest of the class.

Then by creating a smaller, more intimate grouping, the e-mail circles, you've provide your students with a real sense of audience, a reality that may be lost by postings to larger groups.

I just wanted to let you know that if I ever do try e-journals again, I'll try it your way.

Diana K. Gabbert
2002