EdTech provides consulting, training, outreach and educational services
for faculty, instructors and staff using educational technologies.
EdTech provides consulting, training, outreach and educational services
for faculty, instructors and staff using educational technologies.
How
Online Writing Can Enrich Classroom Lectures and Discussions
Robert Baird has been using discussion boards and online writing assignments for almost ten years in his film and cinematography courses. In his brown bag presentation, Robert summarized many of the benefits of online discussion tools that he has discovered over the years. More...
Using Focused Web-based Discussions to Enhance
Student Engagement and Deep Understanding
In this article, Caroline Persell provides a compelling model for using online discussions to improve critical reasoning skills among her students. More...
Web-based synchronous communication (online communication which occurs in real time) has become commonplace over the past five years. A number of commercial “chat” tools such as AOL Instant Messenger, are regularly used for formal and informal synchronous communication. Course management software, such as Illinois Compass, also provide chat functions which allow for the transmission of images, simultaneous viewing of “whiteboard” drawings, and shared Internet browsing as well as text-based communication. Recently, synchronous tools allowing audio and video transmission have become more widespread. These are not yet incorporated into UIUC course management software. However, CITES EdTech can offer suggestions and limited support for instructors who wish to incorporate synchronous video and audio into their teaching.
Synchronous communication tools are often used in distance learning classes to create a virtual classroom environment, where students can ask questions, discuss, and even “whisper” to their neighbor from their home computer. As wireless technology becomes more available, synchronous communication tools will find their way into large lecture classes, where students will be able to participate, ask and answer questions, and interact with classmates, without interrupting the flow of the presentation. CITES EdTech is investigating both the technological and pedagogical means to integrate synchronous online communications into face-to-face classrooms equipped with wireless technology.
Chat tools provide an informal means for students to interact with faculty. Instructors and TAs have begun establishing online office hours when students can contact them via chat or other related synchronous tools. Instructors using online office hours have reported that the informality of the environment and the instantaneous response has increased the numbers of students contacting them, breaking down some of the impersonality of a large class.
Synchronous tools can be helpful in assisting group work and peer learning among students. The tools can either be set up within existing groups or for the entire class. For group work, students can collaborate virtually allowing more flexibility in the completion of an out-of-class assignment. Chat forums can also be set up that all students in a class have access to. Such a forum can encourage students to ask another student online for help or assistance.
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