Listserv Use

Similar to any of the Internet technologies we've already covered, I think there are multiple ways for listervs to be used in education, as long as they are used correctly.  One of the most obvious benefits I can think of is having a classroom mailing list.  Whether this is with the students themselves (perhaps in older grades) or to the parents (for younger students), this provides an easy and instantaneous way to communicate with members of your classroom.  This being said, I think there is a fine line between use, and overuse.  No one wants to be spammed with emails, so I would enforce limiting this to necessary communication, or utilizing it as a weekly/monthly newsletter and reminder notice.  A listserv may also be used to send home event-type messages, such as informing families of parent-teacher-student interviews, or an open-house taking place at the school.

This is, of course, under the stipulation that all students have access to the Internet at home, which is an entirely different issue.  Even as technology continues to advance, there are still individuals who are not capable of affording a computer, or have limited computer/Internet access.  Rare, sure, but depending on the school, and where in a city it is situated, as educators, we must be aware of all of our students, so as not to alienate or make any students feel inadequate, embarrassed, etc.

Discussion-based listservs also serve a purpose in the classroom (and, are more inclusive, as students may use classtime, or have afterschool computer privileges.)  I could see listservs being used in a very similar manner to newsgroups.  Many of the examples our class came up with for use of newsgroups translates to listservs, and simply stands to the question of which is more beneficial for students.
I could see listservs being of great use for classes where students are challenged to come up with
-an interesting resource about a country before studying it in Social Studies,
-a science innovation that has occurred in the last 20 years, and how it applies to a Chemistry/Physics/Biology topic,
-a math equation to form a class study-guide for next week's Calculus midterm,
-a comprehensive overview of a novel study, suggesting similar books to other students if they like ___________ or if they are interested in the __________ genre.
This list is certainly not exclusive, and could go on for pages.  As well, all of these examples that I've chosen to highlight could easily apply to newsgroups and forums.

I think the biggest advantage of a listserv is that it comes to our inboxes in the form of an email.  With SmartPhones and wireless Internet access everywhere, email is a constant.  I can honestly say I check my email well over 10 or 15 times per day.  While a newsgroup involves students going to an external site to read what has been posted, an email is instantaneous, and can easily be opened, read, and replied to.

I belong to a few listservs, and I find them most beneficial when I am receiving useful information, but my inbox is not constantly being filled with updates.  This being said, most of my experience comes from University classes.  In searching for listservs online, I found that it was difficult to track down exactly what I was looking for, as not many gave direction of what was being sent out, if the listserv was monitored or unmonitored, and how often new emails are sent.  I feel as though being on the moderating end, that is, creating our own mailing lists for our students and/or parents, would be much easier.  And, hopefully by having the knowledge of what works and what doesn't on the receiving end, we are able to make the best possible use of listservs in our classrooms.