Students were encouraged to log on to discuss the class material, the stock market game, or even real-world investments that they might have an interest in. Participation was nearly universal. Shepard had no experience with a mailing list before he tried it in class last spring. I just communicated with Dave Zavatson, and he told me how to do it. That's the best part - you don't have to be an expert.
Students are often ahead of faculty when it comes to electronic communication.
Enthusiastic about the results of his first attempt at incorporating electronic communication into his class, Shepard intends to use this same format for all of his future classes. He stresses the personal touch that e-mail allowed him to bring to his students. You get to know a significant number of the people - not just by name, but by their personal qualities, their sense of humor, and their means of expression. It enhances those things that draw professors to teaching.