Discuss possible topics, learner's interests, hobbies or professions may be possibilities for communication via a listserv. Have students browse to find listserv that may interest them. Suggest they check the EDWeb listserv lists for educational lists, Tile.net , which is a list of all kinds of listservs. Have student chose a listserv and subscribe Read postings from the list. It may be easier to read if these are printed out.
Student composes responses and post to the listserv.
Discuss this type of writing. What did they find easy, enjoyable, difficult, etc. Interview someone you think would know. Ask them why they use it the way they do. Search for answers on the Internet.