Why are we using Slack instead of Blackboard, Google Classroom, or something else?

There are a few reasons that I’m testing out Slack this semester. One of them is that Slack allows you to receive notifications on your phone for when other people in your class are turning stuff in. You can also turn those notifications off if you don’t want or need them. But since it’s easier to fall behind in a distance learning course, I thought that this feature might make it easier to keep you on track and to remind you when work is due.

I also like Slack for a few other reasons. First, a lot of people use it at their job. Rather than Blackboard—a platform that is really just for schools—getting comfortable with Slack will (I hope) prepare you if you ever have to use it in a professional context.

Another reason that I like it is that it makes it very easy to share things that you write with me and with your classmates. Blackboard does not make that very easy.

Slack will additionally allow me to communicate with you quickly and efficiently (I hope) about assignment feedback.

How do I sign up and use Slack?

Follow the steps below, which will help you to sign in to Slack and to get started with some of its basic features. If you already know how to use Slack, you can skip ahead and just read the information that you need. Please aim to finish these steps before class time on Tuesday, September 1st so that we can troubleshoot any issues or questions that you have.

Step 1: Sign in to Slack.

After the first class on August 27th, you should receive an e-mail invitation to our class Slack channel. If you didn’t get it, e-mail me ASAP at [email protected].

The video below shows you how to sign in to Slack. Please download Slack on your desktop or laptop computer if that’s what you’re using to connect to class. If you would also like to receive notifications on your phone (i.e. to remember when to turn something in), download the Slack app and sign in there, too. 

Step 2: Learn the Basics

The video below shows you some of the most basic features of navigating Slack. Once you’ve logged in, watch this video to find out how to find channels, send a direct message (DM), upload a file, locate pinned posts, and post a message in a particular channel.

Step 3: Create a channel with your name

Watch the video below, which shows you how to create a channel. You’ll then create a channel with your name (i.e. mine would be #lindseyalbracht). This is where you’ll post your drafts, your final versions, and your personal reflection journals throughout the semester.

Once you have created your channel, invite me to it. This will show me that you know how to access your own channel. Please note: you will not be able to make your own channel private, but I can do this for you in Step 5.

Step 4: Upload a file

Next, find the #announcements channel. Post a selfie, a picture of your dog or cat (or giraffe), a flag that represents you in some way, or something else that you have to upload by using the attachments feature. Let’s keep it, ya know, something kind of light and fun: this is just a way to make sure that you know how to upload a file. If you’re stuck, watch the video below.

Step 5: Send me a direct message (DM)

In Step 2, part of the video covered how to send me (or other people in the class) a direct message (DM). I’m going to ask you to do this periodically, and I will also send you DMs when I am giving you feedback on work that you’ve done.

To complete this step, send me a DM to let me know if you would like your personal assignment submission channel to be public to the class or private only to you and me.

Step 6: Upload a picture or avatar (nice, but optional)

You don’t have to do this one if you don’t want to, but it’s helpful to me to see your face (or your dog’s face, or some kind of picture that represents you) so I can get to know you a little more. Click here for a tutorial on how to upload a picture to your profile.