The ALEKS system contains a full-featured internal message system (Sec. 5.2.11). Instructors access the message system through the "Inbox" icon in the upper part of the Instructor interface. After clicking this icon, you will see your Inbox with all current messages. The messages can be viewed and managed using the features of the message system, which resemble those of a standard email client. To compose a message, click "Compose."

Figure 6.3: Compose Message

The features of the message editor page also resemble those of standard email programs. To include mathematical notation and illustrations in your messages, click the symbols available at the right end of the tool bar. The Message Editor, has a robust set of input tools available to the instructor, that vary based on the active ALEKS course. (Fig. 6.3). Clicking on the "Graphs" button will display tools for graphing. Other buttons are also available which display mathematical and other symbols helpful in creating equations specific to the course. After composing the message, the instructor can check the box next to "Mark as urgent" if desired. When students receive a message marked as urgent, they will see "URGENT Message" displayed above their ALEKS INBOX icon.

You also have the option to include attachments in your messages. The attachments can be up to 2MB in size. By default, messages sent to you through the ALEKS message system will be copied to your email address (if provided). This option and others affecting the message system can be changed under "My Account Settings" (Sec. 6.1.1).