Join us on Slack!

Most of us deal with too much email. Slack is one way that can greatly reduce internal email. Slack is a collaborative workspace where team members can communicate and work together. In Slack, team members send messages and share files in channels that are organized by topics that are relevant to the team. Slack works well for teams, projects, special interest groups, event planning, and is especially suited for people who work in different locations.

Why use Slack?

It reduces email

By keeping conversations in Slack, all related communication and files are in one place and not scattered across several emails.

It can improve team communication

Whether you work in the same room or across the state, Slack allows you to stay informed with what is going on with the team or project. You don’t have to interrupt anyone for an update, just drop into a channel to see what is happening.

It’s inclusive

Anyone in the channel can participate in the conversation. With Slack, you don’t have to worry about forgetting someone in an email or reply. Use @mentions to address a specific person. They will get a notification.

You can have private conversations

You can send direct messages for a private conversation. For ongoing private discussions that shouldn’t be open to everyone in the workspace, you can create a private channel and restrict it to specific people.

Have fewer or shorter meetings

Slack allows you to update others at their convenience, rather than at a specific date or time. Everyone stays up to date which may shorten the length or frequency of your scheduled meetings.

It’s easy to share files

Documents, images, and links can be shared in a channel. Share, comment and get feedback in the same place.

Respond or approve with one click

Rather than typing a reply, use an emoji for quick replies. Examples:

• 👀= “I’ve seen your message 
• ✅or ✔ = “Approved” or “I finished the training”
• ➕= “I agree”👏= “Great job!” or “Well done!”

It’s mobile

The app for Slack is available on most devices.

You control notifications

You manage your own notifications and disconnect when you need to.

Invitation to join us on Slack

Extension Learning Technology and Extension Communication have created a Slack workspace to connect Extension employees who have similar interests in educational and communication technologies such as data visualization, video production, podcasting, and Google. Just go to z.umn.edu/JoinExtConnect to join our workspace.

A quick tour of ExtConnect

Explore the channels

The default channels you are in, are listed on the left. To browse all channels in ExtConnect, click on “Channels”. Feel free to join any channels you are interested in.

Post a message

A great place to start is in the #intros channel.

Preferences and Notifications

• Click ExtConnect at the top to change status and explore preferences
• Click the bell icon at the top to change notifications

Web app vs. desktop app

You can access Slack through your web browser or download the desktop app. My personal preference is the desktop app so I don’t have to open another tab in my browser. I also have the Slack app pinned to my taskbar for quick access.

Mobile app

I also have the Slack app installed on my phone which is how I use it when I’m not at my desk. The interface is great!

Learn more:

Guided tour of Slack
Lesson 1: What is Slack