On the other hand, an instructor can contact a student directly and confidentially about personal matters or learning problems. For example, the teacher might ask about an unusual number of absences or answer a query about the student's current performance in class. And of course, e-mail allows private responses to a general discussion on the newsgroup. Moreover, e-mail offers an unparalleled opportunity to handle material from the student. For instance, a student may turn in a term paper outline electronically.
Teachers have a complete electronic record of every interaction with the student.
The second method of communication is the home page. Many universities already put class schedules, registration material and course descriptions on a Web site. Such an institutional vote of confidence testifies to the expectation that many students have Internet access. More and more individual instructors may choose to avail themselves of this resource. On the practical level, this can simplify distribution of course materials.