More Tales from the Digital Generation

One of the first things I do is to ask my students for their phone numbers.

Today is the end of drop-add. Every student in my class as of the end of today counts towards my success totals.

So this afternoon I identified three students who have missed at least three classes and were absent today. Today was the fourth class meeting, so if you've missed three classes, you've missed a lot.

First I called them. All calls went to voicemail. I left a bland message, "This message is for [student name]. This is Dr. Hirta from the [name of university] math department. My number is [office phone number]."

Next I texted them: "Were you planning on taking math this term? Today is last day to change schedule." Two of the three texted right back -- including one who apologized for not calling but he was driving.