Working with system messages

Use the System Message function to send messages to Ed:gen users, including those who are not currently working in Ed:gen.

You can also use Ed:gen Messenger to chat one to one with other online Ed:gen users.

System messages differ from Ed:gen Messenger in the following ways. You can:

  • Message users who are not currently online.
  • Notify both individuals and group of users.
  • Force your message to open in the recipient's screen display.
  • View your stored system messages at any time. All system messages that you receive are stored until you choose to delete them.

Choose to either:

Create a system message

It is only possible to send system messages if you have the appropriate access set up in Ed:gen.

To create a system message:

  1. Select Messages on the right of your desktop:
  2. Select the More Options icon in the bottom right to display a menu and select Create Message.

    The Ed:gen Messages and Notifications window is displayed.

  3. Use the Recipient Selection section to select individual users and groups of users to receive the system message:
    1. Scroll through the Receiving Users list using the up and down arrows.
    2. Select the Receiving User that you want to contact. Hold Ctrl to make multiple selections. Include yourself in the list of recipients. This ensures that you have a record of the system messages that you have sent.
    3. Select the top arrows to move your selection into the right hand box. Select the bottom arrows to deselect a user.
    4. Scroll through the Receiving Group list using the up and down arrows.
    5. Select the Receiving Group that you want to contact. Hold Ctrl to make multiple selections.
  4. In the Message Options section:
    1. Select the User Status of message recipients. You can choose to send the message to only those users who are currently online. This is useful for a quick system checks.
    2. Use the calendar and time fields to select when the message is to expire and stop displaying.
    3. Check the box to force the message to open in a popup window on the recipient's computer.
  5. In the Message Details section:
    1. Mark the Importance of the system message from the drop-down list.
    2. Enter the message subject in the Subject box.
    3. Enter the message in the Message box.
  6. Select Send & Close.

    A popup box is displayed stating that it can take up to 60 seconds for an active user to receive a message.

  7. Select OK.

    The message is delivered and a log kept in the Messages tab.

View all current system messages

When you receive a system message you are notified in one of the following ways:

  • The Messages tab displays a message count.
  • The Ed:gen Messages and Notification window pops up on your display.
  • Your web browser tab will flash on your computer taskbar.

To view system messages, follow the steps below:

  1. Select Messages on the right of your desktop:
  2. All of your system messages are displayed here.