Many students do not understand that electronic communication is similar to, yet very different from, oral communications. They often need a few guidelines to help them through the transition. Answers should be relatively brief and concise. Lengthy responses are sometimes difficult to download through a modem connection.
Email attachments can also cause problems.
Sugesst the use of plain text or rich text format for attachments. Not all receivers will have appropriate software to decode these messages. Advance organizers handed out a day or two before electronic communications take place are extremely helpful for directing both synchronous and asynchronous conversations. Use these conversations to supplement in-class discussions or to discuss items that were not brought up in class. Don't re-hash a topic that has already been discussed.