Trying to help

In my module questionnaires our students say they want face to face sessions - but do they?  Very few students attend voluntary help sessions intended to supplement detailed notes online.  In the past I have tried "Office Hours" but still very few takers.  I put this down to the fact that our students are not familiar with the "Office Hours" culture.

So what is the way forward? How do I give the "personal touch" with >250 students? Any suggestions? (Google+ discussion)

Update: This post is somewhat relevant:
Enhancing Out-of-Class Communication: Students’ Top 10 Suggestions
Sigh, maybe I should just give up and encouyrage thenm to use email.  It's probably what they want :-(

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