Objective
Understanding the basics of electronic messages
Instructions
Have students read the following articles:
Email: How It Works [https://websitebuilders.com/learn-about/how-email-works/]
Anatomy of an Email Message [https://websitebuilders.com/english/html/21e_anat.htm]
Also, view this interactive animation:
How Email Works [https://websitebuilders.com/animated-internet/how-email-works/]
Discussion
- What makes email different from other types of communication?
- What are some advantages of email?
- What are some disadvantages?
- Describe the parts of an email message.
- What is the message header and what can you learn from it?
- Are your email messages private?
Activities
If you are using an Email client, like Outlook, show students how to open the program, and then describe its various features. Consider demonstrating web-based email services, like Hotmail or Gmail, to compare the services.
Discussion Guide
- What are some advantages of email?
Email is free to use and faster than sending a letter. Discuss with your students other ways email can be better than other forms of communication (such as letters, phone calls, etc.)
- What are some disadvantages?
Email can be impersonal, and it’s difficult to convey tone in an email message. Ask your students for other disadvantages of using email to communicate.
- Describe the parts of an email message.
The header of the email includes the addressees, while the body of the email includes the actual message.
- What is the message header and what can you learn from it?
The header of the email includes the To, Cc, and Bcc fields, as well as the date of the message.
- Are your email messages private?
Email is not as private as a letter sealed in an envelope. Messages can be intercepted and read by people who shouldn’t be looking at it.
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