Hello everyone:

Okay. Your instructor posts those terribly boring announcements a couple of times a week. The professor probably drones on and on and puts you to sleep by the second paragraph, right? Why in the world would you want to read them?

There are several really good reasons to check them out, no matter how apparently dull and dreadful.

First, they might contain something you need to know to complete your assignment.

Second, they might offer guidance on how to “work smarter, not harder” as you complete said assignment.

Third, we don’t post them for our own health. Perhaps we will tell you you don’t have to do the assignment. (Okay, there’s a fat chance of that, but stranger things have been known to happen in the world of academia.)

Fourth, we might explain something that’s muddy or unclear; taking just a minute or two to read what we’ve said MIGHT be of benefit to you.

Finally, we don’t usually answer our email at 11:58 (if your assignment is due at 11:59) and you might find your answer in the announcements.

Your call here, but I highly recommend checking out the announcements section of your course a few times a week. (Of course, I write these wonderful announcements, so I might be slightly prejudiced towards reading them, but…maybe this is just another pearl of wisdom from an experienced instructor. Please note that I am leaning towards the latter, rather than the former….)

Best,

Dr. Sheri