Backchanneling…
From Wikipedia:
Backchannel is the practice of using networked computers to maintain a real-time online conversation alongside live spoken remarks. The term was coined in the field of Linguistics to describe listeners’ behaviours during verbal communication, Victor Yngve 1970.
The term “backchannel” generally refers to online conversation about the topic or the speaker. Occasionally backchannel provides audience members a chance to fact-check the presentation.
First growing in popularity at technology conferences, backchannel is increasingly a factor in education where WiFi connections and laptop computers allow students to use ordinary chat like IRC or AIM to actively communicate during class.
What does this mean to us as educators?
Backchanneling allows students to chat, using technology, during a presentation. In a situation where every student has a laptop, students could use a chat room or IRC software to discuss what the presenter is saying. Okay – I could see using that, as long as every student has access to a laptop and as long as there’s sufficient supervision to make sure that the students are actually on task.
But what about backchanneling across the United States?
Hmmmm…..
Let’s say you have a bunch of people who teach on Sunday mornings (y’know anybody like that?). Let’s say that they teach the same age group and they want to show a movie.
What if you could coordinate this among classes in different cities? Show the movie with backchanneling available? So that kids could comment and discuss with students in other places?
Or a book club – across state borders?
If you’re interested in pursuing this for the upper grades – I teach 8th and 9th grade… let me know.
Backchanneling…hmmm…
About
Debbie Harris is the director of educational technology at the Sager Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, IL. Involved in Jewish education for over thirty years, she has an education degree from Northwestern University with a concentration in instructional media and a master’s degree in professional Jewish studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. She is skilled in using and teaching desktop publishing, video editing, presentation and animation software; and consults and presents regularly on integrating technology into Judaic studies. Her students podcast, blog, edit video and create claymations. She co-chaired the technology track for CAJE 33 in Vermont, is a SMART Certified Trainer for SMART Notebook, and a 2011 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.
When not learning, teaching or writing about technology, Debbie likes to sketchnote and craft. She likes to knit, do calligraphy, sew, watercolor, paint fabric and just generally play with fun toys like scrapbooking supplies and anything with texture. Debbie travels to California every summer to paint tallitot with high school aged campers. Finally, she is incredibly proud of her two daughters; Lori, who teaches English at a community college; and Allie, who is the director of the URJ’s Camp Newman in California.
Look for her at:
Debbie Does Desktop
Flickr
Twitter
Diigo
YouTube
Ravelry
Email Debbie here
MuseForJews 