Your instructor may communicate directly with you or may send announcements and messages to the entire class. If your course has a syllabus, check for your instructor's virtual office hours and preference for direct communication.
Announcements
Instructors use announcements to communicate time-sensitive information and course updates. Look for the Announcements link on the course menu or in the Tool Panel.
Discussions
In discussions, you can share thoughts and ideas about class materials. Participants don't need to be in the same location or time zone, and you can take the time to consider your responses carefully.
Course Messages
You can view messages in each of your courses. If allowed by your institution, you can also create and reply to messages. If allowed, you and your instructors can send messages to each other, multiple people, or an entire class for reminders, quick questions, and social interactions.
Messages activity remains inside the system. You can't view or send messages outside of your course.