Each topic contains an Announcements forum. Only staff members are able to post into this forum and students will be sent an email copy of each message posted into this forum (usually within 30 minutes of posting). Posting an announcement will mean that all students receive an email, so this is a sure way to communicate important information to students.
You could post an announcement:
when students get access to the topic (usually 1 week prior to topic commencement), as a welcome/orientation
when assessment item due dates are approaching, to support students being on task
when a guest lecturer is presenting, to encourage students to attend
Post an announcement – steps
In your topic, locate the Announcements forum (usually in module 0)
Click on Add a new topic
Enter a Subject and Message
Select Pinned if you'd like the message pinned to the top of the list
Select Post instantly if you'd like the message to be emailed and made visible to students instantly. If post instantly is not selected, the post will be emailed 15 minutes later (depending on the students forum email digest settings in their profile)