Lindsay, We learn as we go and we become better at things that we don't feel comfortable with at this time. Try to set parameters in you syllabus and post them on an announcement and then stick with them. Your parameters may be something like the following: Email and the discussion board will be checked two times per day. Emails and discussion board questions will be answered within 48 hours. If emails or discussion board postings are posted Friday or Saturday, they will not be answered until Monday or Tuesday. Also, give a litte extra credit (if you can) for students who answer each others' questions on the discussion board. I also tell students NOT to email me (unless it's personal), but to post their questions on the FAQ discussion board and anyone can answer their questions. It really cut back on my email. Just some suggestions.