Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

Buzz Inbox

Target Audience (All Buzz Users)

The Inbox in Buzz is a built-in communication tool that allows students and teachers to message each other directly within the platform—no external email required. It supports threaded conversations, connects messages to coursework, and makes it easy to jump back to the original source of a message.

What the Inbox Does

The Buzz Inbox:

  • Enables teacher ↔ student communication
  • Eliminates the need for external email
  • Organizes messages into threaded conversations
  • Identifies where messages originate (lesson, graded activity, or general message)
  • Provides quick links back to the source of the message

Student Experience

Accessing the Inbox

  • Students will see an Inbox icon in the top-right corner
  • A notification badge shows the number of unread messages
  • Clicking the icon opens the Inbox

Reading & Responding to Messages

  • Unread messages appear with a bolded subject line
  • Click any message to view the full conversation thread
  • Students can:
    • Reply to messages
    • Start new message threads

Viewing Feedback from Graded Activities

  • Teacher feedback on assignments is delivered directly to the Inbox
  • This increases visibility and allows students to:
    • Ask follow-up questions
    • Continue the conversation with their teacher

At the top of the message thread, students will see:

  • The assignment name
  • A link to view grade details

Navigating Assignment Feedback

  • The grade view varies depending on assignment type
  • Related messages appear alongside the assignment details
  • For some activities, students can:
    • Navigate to a Questions tab
    • View specific questions tied to teacher feedback

To return to the Inbox, click the “X” icon.

Sending Messages from a Lesson

  • Click the paper airplane icon in the top-right corner of a lesson
  • Messages are automatically sent to:
    • All teachers
    • Teacher assistants assigned to the course

Teacher Experience

Accessing the Inbox

  • Teachers see an Inbox icon with unread message notifications
  • Clicking the icon opens the Inbox

Viewing Student Messages

  • Click the linked activity title to open the related lesson
  • Note: This will not open the exact page the student was viewing
  • Use the back arrow to return to the Inbox

Tip: Encourage students to include page numbers in their messages for clarity.

Accessing Assignment Feedback Threads

  • Click “Open grader” to view grade details
  • All related messages appear above the feedback box
  • Teachers can view full message history, even after resubmissions

Composing a New Message

  1. Click the paper airplane icon in the Inbox
  2. Select recipients (entire class or individual students)
  3. Add a clear subject line
  4. Type your message
  5. (Optional) Format text or attach files
  6. Click Send

Important: Avoid selecting the “Send as group message” option, as this allows students to reply to each other.

Managing Messages

  • Use the three-dot menu to:
    • Archive messages
    • Mark as unread
    • Star important messages
  • Use the folder dropdown to view:
    • Sent
    • Starred
    • Archived
    • Deleted messages

Restoring & Editing Messages

  • Archived or deleted messages can be restored
  • To edit a sent message:
    • Hover over the message
    • Click the pencil icon

Summary

  • The Inbox is available to students and teachers only
  • Encourages engagement with feedback and communication
  • Keeps all course-related messaging in one place
  • Does not allow direct messaging to Observers or Learning Coaches
    • However, they can view messages through the student’s account

Need more information? For additional details and guidance, please review the full support document:
Buzz Inbox Support Guide (PDF)