On the other side sit educators who, aware of limits on time and resources, question this nonacademic use of technology. They fear the virtual intrusion of outsiders and the physical intrusion of viruses and spam. They argue that most students have plenty of time to check their e-mail at home. And students checking e-mail block other users from more serious work. Then there are many who seek compromise.
Schools have a variety of options in providing students with e-mail.
Students are held responsible for managing their mailbox. Other services such as Gaggle. Although these services free schools from the burden of managing hundreds of accounts, they are completely student-controlled. And they are causing enormous distraction. I was shocked by the fury of responses.