This can be effectively accomplished by maintaining an electronic discussion list These lists are routinely used to allow participants to follow through on so-called threads or topics of interest. The discussion list is easy to initiate and is automatically maintained by a computer program called a list server. This leaves the instructor free for other pursuits. It is easy to mail to the list. Only one message need be composed and sent.
All participants receive all messages sent to list.
Recipients have the option of replying either to the whole list or individually to those posting messages. Since anyone can be subscribed to a discussion list, this provides the possibility of placing a number of others on who can add specific knowledge. Thus, students' questions, although answered from the instructor's perspective, now can be addressed by other educators or professionals in the field. The discussion list can be linked to the electronic syllabus. Embedding an anchor that provides a form with the list's address is perhaps the easiest way.