If you are new to Slack and ClassCred, you need to add some language to your syllabus to direct students. Fortunately, you don't have to provide too much detail. ClassCred has built-in messaging that will teach students the most important functionality. To get started here is some language for your syllabus.
Download (includes links to the videos below):
Syllabus Language for Slack
Slack is the primary means of communication in this course. We will use it for public and private conversations. You must join our Slack workspace by Sunday, May 16th at 11:59 pm.
To get started with Slack:
Download Slack
Windows: https://slack.com/downloads/windows
Go to the app store and download Slack on your mobile device.
Use your university email address to join the Slack workspace.
Here is the link to our Slack workspace: Your Workspace Link (How to find workspace link).
Slack is used to facilitate course discussion. If you have a question about an assignment or course topic, post it to Slack in the appropriate channel. Either one of your classmates or one of your professors will answer. If you have questions about the exam, please direct message me. DO NOT POST ABOUT THE EXAM IN SLACK. Have fun with Slack by encouraging your classmates with reactions and 🔥 (more below).
When you join the Slack workspace you will see I've created the following public channels:
Points in Slack
You earn points for participating in Slack. Everyone starts each day with 5 🔥 emojis. You can give 🔥s to your classmates in Slack. If someone asks a great question or answers your question, reward them with a 🔥 emoji. Every 🔥 received is worth 1 point. It is best to give the fire emojis in a thread so that we keep the channel cleaner.
To make it count, you must tag a user by typing something like:
@Rowan Wilson congrats :fire:You can also earn points by acknowledging announcements, and participating in polls and debates. Debates are friendly competitions about a current topic. You will see them pop up in the module channels. You can earn additional points and a badge by placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in a debate competition. Top debate posts are determined by the number of 👍 votes by your peers.
Points earned in Slack are only redeemable for items in the ClassCred store. Bonus on an exam is an example of an item that will be available to purchase but there will be others 😀.
There are likely to be a lot of messages in Slack. You don't have to read everything. Remember that Slack is a place where we can connect and learn from one another. If something is very important it will be posted on the Announcements channel. Don't get stressed out.
30 second video showing students how to use ClassCred
35 second video showing students how to set their Slack Preferences
To stay organized, it is important to set your Slack preferences correctly. Here are our recommendations: