Chat as Instructional Tool

 

In the Ljubljana new media seminar, we have been using the chat / discussion facility in Blackboard with mixed success, the last effort being more failure than success. Chat has, however, gained considerable reputation among others who have used it in the educational setting. The following article by Ruth Reynard provides a reasoned overview of this form of mediated communication as tool in an instructional environment.

 

Tips for Using Chat as an Instructional Tool

10/31/2007

By Ruth Reynard

Chat software (text or media-based) provides an excellent tool in supporting academic dialog (exchange), critical thinking, and knowledge building. The immediacy of the technology provides students with a direct connection with the instructor as well as other students. While chat software is usually used for "chatting," and, therefore, it has a relaxed and colloquial protocol, with a little thought and planning, it can also be used well to support instruction.

Many classroom instructors and online instructors use chat software to provide virtual office hours and for easy question and answer sessions. More, however, can be achieved in the instructional process using the tool to create real-time collaboration and discussion that leads to in-depth academic processing of course material.

 

Reference information: Ruth Reynard, "Tips for Using Chat as an Instructional Tool ," Campus Technology, 10/31/2007, http://www.campustechnology.com/article.aspx?aid=52470

 
 

 
 

The site where this article appeared, Campus Technology, is an important resource for the broad area of education and technology. The text below, from the "About" page of the site, describes the mandate of the initiative:

 

Campus Technology is the only monthly publication focusing exclusively on the use of technology across all areas of higher education. Campus Technology provides in-depth coverage of specific technologies and their implementations, including wireless networks and mobile devices; enterprise resource planning; eLearning and course management systems; 'smart classroom' technologies; telecom, Web, and security solutions - all the important issues and trends for campus IT decision makers.

Launched in October, 2004, Campus Technology replaced the highly respected Syllabus magazine, a recognized leader in the coverage of technology on campus since 1988. Campus Technology continues to uphold Syllabus' mission of serving as a complete resource for academic and administrative IT leaders in higher education, and provides in-depth coverage of specific technologies, their uses, and implementations on campus.

The Campus Technology franchise consists of the monthly Campus Technology magazine, its web site, www.campustechnology.com, electronic newsletters (News Update, IT Trends, SmartClassroom, C-Level View), conferences, and targeted list rental opportunities.