Communication

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

WHAT | After each session, students will be sent a follow-up email with questions to which they will have to reply. The email will also instruct learners on using proper email structure and etiquette.

WHY | This routine exercises participants’ ability to open, read, and respond to an email, a vital and common workplace task. It also exercises their ability to convey their thoughts on what was covered in the session in writing.

HOW | Email

1. At the beginning of the course, inform learners that they will have “homework” after each session, which will sent to them via email. 

2. After each session, send learners an email with a reflective question that relates to that day’s topic, an assessment or a tutorial on a digital skill, and/or a workplace scenario that asks them their initial reaction, how would they respond, etc. The email must also instruct learners to use proper email structure, etiquette, etc.

3. Inform students about the deadline for responding to the email (e.g., before the following session).

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following digital skill(s):

• EF.9 Send and Receive Email | Each email will consist of instructing learners on utilizing different best practices related to sending emails, such as being mindful of tone, having a proper greeting and salutation, etc. Learners will then put this etiquette into practice as they complete the activity.  

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following employability skill(s):

• Communication Skills: Conveys information in writing | Learners will demonstrate professionalism in their responses to the questions sent in the mail.

Immigrant Family Services Institute

WHAT | Participants experience a consistent, collaborative, and highly engaged student and job-seeker community using WhatsApp Channels. This routine improves real-time communication, teamwork, resource-sharing, and a strong sense of belonging across all training cohorts.

WHY | This routine supports workforce development goals by fostering collaboration (participants connect with peers, instructors, job coaches, and staff in one unified space), engagement (daily prompts and activities create ongoing participation and learning beyond the classroom), and community-building (WhatsApp Channels strengthen relationships across cohorts, new migrants, job seekers, and alumni communities). The routine also aligns with the following evidence-based strategies: expanding social networks, communities of practice, and authentic audience and purpose.

HOW | WhatsApp Channels

1. Channel Setup

   1. Create a dedicated WhatsApp Channel for each program, and add program/organization branding.

   2. Establish communication norms:

      1. Respectful language

      2. No spam or unrelated content

      3. Keep posts mission-aligned

      4. Follow staff guidance and rules

2. Onboarding Students & Job Seekers

   1. Introduce the WhatsApp Channel during orientation, intake, or the first session.

   2. Explain:

      1. The purpose of the channel

      2. Benefits for communication and networking

      3. The types of posts students and job seekers can expect daily

   3. Provide step-by-step instructions with a QR code or a link to join the channel.

   4. Conduct a quick “first post icebreaker” for students to introduce themselves.

3. Daily Engagement Routine and Interactive Activities

   1. Each cohort receives daily content at a fixed time (morning or evening), such as the following:

      1. Question of the day

      2. Job readiness tips

      3. English vocabulary

      4. Workforce inspiration

      5. Career preparation check-ins

      6. Short quizzes

      7. Role-play scenarios

   2. Encourage participants to comment, share ideas, and support each other.

4. Collaboration & Peer Learning

   1. Organize weekly collaborative tasks such as:

      1. Group problem solving

      2. Team-based activities

      3. Peer feedback on resumes or assignments

   2. Additional Activity: Create small virtual study groups (3–6 members each) for:

      1. ESOL practice

      2. Credentialing exam preparation

      3. Assignment reviews

      4. Job search accountability

5. Resource Sharing & Support

   1. Staff and learners consistently share:

      1. PDFs, guides, links

      2. ESOL videos

      3. Career tools

      4. Job postings, employer flyers

      5. Community resources (housing, legal aid, food access, etc.)

   2. Feedback Guidelines:

      1. Provide constructive comments

      2. Use encouraging tone

      3. Follow digital citizenship norms

6. Recognition & Celebration

   1. Create a positive culture by celebrating the following to increase morale and keep the entire cohort inspired:

      1. Job offers

      2. Certification achievements

      3. Participation milestones

      4. Weekly “Top Engaged Members”

      5. Birthdays and motivational wins

7. Weekly Check-In & Surveys

   1. Every Friday:

      1. Quick check-in (poll)

      2. Attendance reminder

      3. “What do you need help with next week?”

      4. Staff collects data to adjust support services

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following digital skill(s):

• CO.1 Communicate Effectively | Participants share ideas clearly, practice professional communication, and listen and respond appropriately in a digital format.

• MO.6 Collaborate Using Mobile Tools | Learners develop the mobile skills needed for virtual teamwork, resource-sharing, and coordinating tasks inside mobile platforms.

• OL.6 Be a Good Online Citizen | Participants learn responsible online behavior, respect for peers, positive community contribution, and digital discipline and etiquette.

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following employability skill(s):

• Communication Skills: Conveys information in writing | By using tools such as WhatsApp Channels, learners practice responding to messages, collaborating digitally, and navigating mobile-based platforms commonly used in modern workplaces. Participants learn to communicate professionally in online spaces, use mobile tools to retrieve information and complete tasks, participate in digital collaboration and group discussions, and follow workplace-style communication guidelines. These skills also directly apply to real-world work environments in the following areas: receiving updates through messaging platforms; accessing schedules, documents, or training materials digitally; communicating with supervisors and coworkers remotely; and following digital instructions and complete online forms. Ask: How would you communicate professionally on a workplace messaging platform?

The Loop Lab

WHAT | Learners use an email service to write a formal thank you letter to a guest speaker, teaching them to get into a routine of logging in to their computer and email account and starting new email messages.

WHY | This routine reinforces digital skills and professional etiquette at the same time. Learners complete the task together as a group activity and follow the below template when drafting the thank you letter, ensuring they have the supports they need in order to successfully write and send the email.

HOW | Email

Guide students through these instructions:

1. Access Your Email Service

   1. Open your preferred web browser.

   2. Navigate to the website of your email service provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail).

   3. Log in using your email address and password.

2. Compose a New Email

   1. Click on the "Compose" or "New Message" button. This is usually located at the top left of the screen.

3. Enter the Recipient's Email Address

   1. In the "To" field, enter the email address of the guest speaker. If you don't have it, you can often find it on their website or professional profile.

4. Add a Subject Line

   1. In the "Subject" field, write a clear and concise subject line, such as "Thank You for Your Inspiring Talk" or "Appreciation for Your Presentation."

5. Write the Greeting

   1. Start your email with a polite greeting. For example, "Dear [Speaker's Name]," or "Hello [Speaker's Name],".

6. Express Your Gratitude

   1. Begin the body of the email by thanking the speaker for their time and presentation. For example, "I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to speak at our recent event."

7. Mention Specific Details

   1. Reference specific points from their talk that you found particularly insightful or inspiring. For example, "Your insights on [specific topic] were truly enlightening and have given me a new perspective on the subject."

8. Acknowledge the Impact

   1. Share how their presentation has impacted you or your audience. For example, "Your talk has motivated our team to approach our projects with renewed enthusiasm and creativity."

9. Offer Continued Support

   1. If applicable, offer to support their future endeavors or invite them to future events. For example, "We would be honored to have you back at our next conference. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your work."

10. Close the Email

    1. End the email with a polite closing. For example, "Thank you once again for your valuable contribution. We look forward to staying in touch."

11. Review and Send

    1. Review your email for any errors or omissions.

    2. Click the "Send" button to deliver your thank you letter to the guest speaker.

Example Email:

Subject: Thank You for Your Inspiring Talk

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to speak at our recent conference. Your insights on [specific topic] were truly enlightening and have given me a new perspective on the subject. Your talk has motivated our team to approach our projects with renewed enthusiasm and creativity. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from your expertise. We would be honored to have you back at our next conference.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your work. Thank you once again for your valuable contribution. We look forward to staying in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Organization]

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following digital skill(s):

• CO.1 Communicate Effectively | Students practice writing an email and adjusting the tone to make it more professional. Ask them: Why is it important to write a professional email? What should a professional email include in terms of content and tone? What are the differences between a professional email and a non-professional email?

• EF.9 Send and Receive Email | Students practice writing and sending a professional email.

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS | Implementing this routine connects to the following employability skill(s):

• Communication Skills: Conveys information in writing | When preparing students to write emails to a future employer, it is important that they understand how to communicate clearly and why it matters. Well-written emails and documents reflect attention to detail and respect for the reader’s time, whereas ambiguous writing leads to back-and-forth emails, wasted time, and misunderstandings. When students apply for a job, their ability to articulate value in writing directly impacts their opportunities.