Messages Tool - OWL
What is the Messages Tool
The Messages tool in OWL is a communication tool that allows site participants to communicate using internal messages within OWL.
What is the purpose of the Messages Tool
The Messages tool allows worksite users to send email to specific users, site roles, or groups within the course. Messages can be labeled by priority and a copy of the message can be sent to the recipient's email. The Messages tool essentially functions as a regular webmail service within OWL, permitting two-way communication between members of a course or worksite.
How to use the Messages Tool
Within your OWL worksite, enable the Messages tool using the 'Site Info' page by clicking on the 'Edit Tools' tab. Check the box next to 'Messages' and then click 'Continue,' and then 'Finish'. Once Messages has been enabled, find it on your left-side toolbar. Going to the tool, you should see four folders labeled 'Received', 'Sent', 'Deleted' and 'Draft'. The tabs at the top of the page will allow you to compose a new message, sort your messages into folders, and change your settings or permissions.
Where to find Support
This tool is centrally supported
Support
For help, you can contact the WTS Helpdesk
Documentation
Additional information on OWL Messages can be found on the OWL Help - Messages page.
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleThe Messages Tool can be scaled to accommodate any size class with the flexibility to send messages to specific students or sub-groups |
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Ease of UseThe Messages Tool has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityWestern technical support/help documentation is readily available. See the Messages page in OWL Documentation Wiki or contact the Help Desk |
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HypermedialityThe Messages Tool allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
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AODA FriendlyThe Messages Tool meets accessibility guidelines (AODA and the W3C WCAG 2.0 standards) |
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User-focused participationThe Messages Tool is designed to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities, thereby widening opportunities for participation in learning |
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Required EquipmentProper use of the Messages Tool does not require specialized equipment |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
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OWL IntegrationThe Messages Tool is native to OWL |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize the Messages Tool with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize the Messages Tool with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUsers do not need to download additional software or browser extensions |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Mobile Operating SystemsThe Messages Tool is accessible in OWL on all mobile devices through a browser. There is no native app for OWL, however you can access OWL through the WesternU app on both android and iOS devices. |
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Mobile FunctionalityThere is little to no functional difference with the Messages Tool when accessed on mobile systems |
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Offline AccessThe Messages Tool cannot be used in any capacity offline |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Sign Up/Sign InUse of the Messages Tool does not require the creation of an external account or additional login beyond a Western Identity and access to OWL |
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Cost of UseAll aspects of the Messages Tool can be used free of charge to Western account holders |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataMessages are saved and archived, however beyond that messages cannot be imported or exported |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain ownership and copyright of their intellectual property/data; the user can keep data private and decide if/how data is to be shared |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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CollaborationThe Messages Tool has the capacity to support a community of learning through asynchronous but not synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users. Students can send messages to one another. |
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User AccountabilityInstructors can control student anonymity; The Messages Tool provides technical solutions for holding students accountable for their actions |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with the Messages Tool is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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FacilitationThe Messages Tool has limited functionality to effectively support an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement. Limitations relate to notification features that can result in messages being missed. |
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CustomizationThe Messages Tool is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsThe Messages Tool does not support the collection of learning analytics |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)As communication tool, Messages Tool may be used to enable functional improvement to engagement in the targeted cognitive task(s) through one-on-one conversation (given consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Higher Order ThinkingAs communication tool, Messages Tool may be used to facilitate students in exercising higher order thinking skills (given consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningAs communication tool, Messages Tool may be used to provide formative feedback on learning but largely depends on design, facilitation, and direction from instructor |
Security and Privacy
This tool has been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
EULA
- Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement poses a risk of binding the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application. However, this is mitigated as it has undergone legal review during the Technology Risk Assessment process.
Last Updated: January 21, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
Leave feedback to comment or request that the tool be re-reviewed
Topic at a Glance
Messages is a communication tool that allows site participants to communicate using internal course mail. It allows site users to send mail to specific users, site roles or groups within the course. Messages can be labelled by priority and a copy of the message can be sent to the recipient's e-mail.
