On Beebop any user can create any number of discussion channels.
Special 'system' channels can be created for each class, to engage students between lectures, stimulate dialogue and collaboration, and make public announcements.
In fact, the class channel works as a better alternative to sending messages to the whole class, reducing the chance of having to reply individually to multiple students asking similar questions.
Posting on a channel does not trigger an automatic email notifications like messages, but the channel members get a notification on Beebop's home page and in the notification panel.
Beebop's channels do not have the need for a separate DM feature. Any time a user feels the need to take the conversation private they can just click on the Message link in the navigation bar and send a message directly to the other user.
If this feature is enabled in the school settings, each student gets another special channel called 'journal', automatically created by Beebop.
These journals can be used to share evidence of work with mentors and tutors, while keeping it private from other students.