In my classes at A&M, I often use an email list just like LactNet, set up
for the students in the class.  I require the students to read anything I
post to the list.  In some classes, I also require students to post a
certain number of 'substantive' posts to the list, sometimes in response to
prompts I provide based on the readings or class lecture.  Even when you
meet in person with students, if the class has 100 students or more, it can
be difficult to have discussions.  The virtual classroom provided by an
email list can be very fruitful.  Also, people will often feel more
comfortable posting something to the list, where there is some degree of
anonymity, than asking the same question in class.  Thus, I highly recommend
that any one who is teaching an on-line class establish an email list for
the class and require students to participate.

Kathy Dettwyler
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