Exploring Students' Use of E-Mail for Out-of-Class Communication: Frequency, Satisfaction, and Learning Self-Efficacy

Authors

  • Qian Zhao University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Author
  • Seokhoon Ahn University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Author
  • Renee A. Meyers University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Author
  • C. Erik Timmerman University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Author
  • Kathryn L. Fonner University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Author

Abstract

The authors assessed students' use of e-mail for out-of-class communication (OCC) and its impact on satisfaction and learning self-efficacy. Findings showed that students and instructors use e-mail frequently for OCC, and frequency of use is positively associated with student satisfaction with e-mail as an OCC medium. Moreover, the content of students' e-mail messages is typically task- rather than relationship-focused. Finally, students' e-mail use frequency is positively associated with perceptions of their learning self-efficacy. Implications for how instructors can help students learn to use e-mail effectively, as well as how they can use it to supplement classroom learning, are discussed.

Published

2024-03-23