Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Facilitate Online Discussions with Backchannel Tools


There are many Learning Management Systems out there, such as Google Classroom and Seesaw, that allow teachers to post information and questions. In return, students can make comments when prompted by the teacher. While this can be an engaging piece, it still doesn't feel very conversational. This is where using a Backchannel chat can be used facilitate discussions between your students either in the classroom or from a distance.

I know what you may be thinking... "Did he just say chat? As in a chat-room?" Yes chat rooms can have negative connotations with them, but when used correctly in an educational setting, they can be a safe discussion alternative. Two backchannel sites that I am going to suggest allow the teacher to create a virtual room that can only be accessed with a specific link shared by a teacher. This means that you have total control of who has access, keeping your students safe.

Why should I try a backchannel discussion with my students?
First and foremost I am not saying that these discussions should replace verbal discussions you have with your students. Giving students the opportunity to collect their thoughts and speak them verbally is a skill that is different then typing them out on a screen. However, occasionally using a backchannel has an advantage as well. These virtual rooms allow a teacher to save/print the conversations had with students. This gives the teacher a record of student participation within a content conversation, as well as leaves a record of the students understanding.

There are many backchannel sites out there, but two that I have used are TodaysMeet and Chatzy.

TodaysMeet
TodaysMeet is an easy to set up and use virtual chat room geared for classroom usage. After logging in, which it does allow you to login with Google, you are sent to a simple dashboard to set up as many rooms as you like.

After setting your room up, all you need to do is share the link with your students, and your class is ready to have a discussion. At the end of your discussion, you may save/print the transcript.


Chatzy
Chatzy doesn't advertise itself as an education site quite as much as TodaysMeet, however several of it's safety features make it great to use in your classroom.



You can add a password to the chat along with allowing or blocking several features for users. Chatzy also allows them to embed YouTube Videos or Internet Images if they wish. This could allow for some creative answers. These are features that could be turned on or off.


The beauty in these and other backchannel tools is the simplicity to them. These tools allow the students to focus on the conversation and not get too wrapped up in the bells and whistles that they are used to seeing in social media.

If you have a backchannel that you like to use, please add it to the comments below!

58 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This means that you have total control of who has access, keeping your students safe.Timestamp Convert

    ReplyDelete
  4. Among one of the finest pieces on the internet, freshening in its specificity.
    Binary numbers

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your article is very good and useful, thank you very much for this content. : usefull site

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Take a moment and imagine your ideal scenario for a classroom discussion. Your students are both perennially engaged yet conscientious; all are equally eager to raise their hands and share in equitable ways, digging deep into substantial, thought-provoking topics. Sounds great, right? But, in reality, most students just don't come to us with the skills for this type of out-loud, on-the-spot discourse. Of course, our students are definitely capable; we just have to help them get there. chat rooms

    ReplyDelete
  8. No matter how frequently I read this, I will never get exhausted of it.
    http://www.bokepsemi69.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. Our Entrepreneur School are famous for its better courses of this study, our teacher not teach the traditional entrepreneur education but also develop the stamina how to create the new idea and get the knowledge of this idea, after getting the knowledge of this idea how make useful your idea.
    http://weblogredux.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am deeply attracted by your post. It is really a nice and informative one. I will recommend it to my friends.
    Product Description Writing Services

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. I found so many interesting stundent in your blog especially it's discussion, Each & every tips of your post are awesome. I Really like this post, thanks for sharing.
    Back Office Support Solutions

    ReplyDelete
  12. For an institution to offer these courses, it must have a well equipped computer laboratory or ICT center and qualified lecturers and tutors. proposal writers in nakuru

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Georgia Institute of Technology was established near the city limits of Atlanta in 1885.my ip

    ReplyDelete
  14. Miraculous compositions by a marvelous essayist, I should state.
    The Best In Tech

    ReplyDelete
  15. A true cloud solution means that your data will be stored in well known, first class storage facilities that duplicate your data throughout their global network of locations. https://iturbu.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. It is evaluated that 25% of new secondary school understudies in the U.S.A are not ready to graduate.https://okdissertations.com/writing-services/dissertation-proposal For new understudies who enter schools or colleges 1 out of 3 are likely not make it to second year.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you very much for this useful article. I like it. all mobile games

    ReplyDelete
  18. While acquiring via imitation designer watches, check that will dealers standing along with go through several of his or her most current imitation designer watches. Designer watches include the one particular sort of necklaces which have been publicized pertaining to adult men and also for ladies.
    Heraldclub

    ReplyDelete
  19. With this understanding, depending on the background of some ELL students and depending on whether or not they were exposed to technology in their home country, they may not like technology at first but this should not be a sign that they will never come to appreciated it. visit electricalshop.net

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is important that you have some help as you essay review will dependably have somebody to swing to on the off chance that you require counsel or help on a specific theme.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gives a one hundred twenty-day money-lower back-guarantee for Biogenic Xr the careful customer. if you aren't completely satisfied with Extagen.
    http://www.healthprograme.com/biogenic-xr-reviews/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Any man cry I'm talking a huge number of dollars Biogenic XR Practicing your masculinity is the main technique that can give you snappy .
    http://xtrfact.com/biogenic-xr-uk/

    ReplyDelete
  23. As related to its use for weight loss Developing lean muscle Cla Safflower Oil mass The main ingredient in Calotren is collagen hydrolysate, a form.
    http://www.drozhealthblog.com/cla-safflower-oil/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Moment so as to abstain from over-burdening Testro T3 your ISP Remember also that great m email include ins for Outlook will offer.
    http://www.drozhealthblog.com/testro-t3-uk/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Manufacturers' hyped-up guarantees don't be. growth, as its Testx Core call indicates, includes operating for your precious part You want to be greater .
    http://www.usadrugguide.com/testx-core-review/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Plan for per week or so CLA Safflower Oil consume extra energy and greater carbs specifically, after which move lower back to the diet regime.
    http://xtrfact.com/cla-safflower-oil/

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dermagen IQ Search for Proven Ingredients Without fixings that Dermagen IQ for UK have been demonstrated compelling in trials with genuine.
    http://www.usadrugguide.com/dermagen-iq/

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. https://toolsduty.com/best-wire-strippers/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Fixings and afterward just get it The best and powerful regular Dermagen IQ healthy skin items for maturing skin comprise just of common .
    http://www.drozhealthblog.com/dermagen-iq/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Rapiture Muscle Builder Of relaxation gives gradual results in which as Rapiture Muscle for Spain to little relaxation offers even slower results.
    http://xtrfact.com/rapiture-muscle-builder/

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. A decent gaming chair can be the difference between being comfy for just 2 hours-or twenty hours. Finding the optimum fit for your preferences, size and requires can be difficult, nevertheless finding a personal computer chair with adaptable features and additional support is definitely worth the commitment. Gaming Chairs

    ReplyDelete
  33. When looking to buy a mechanical keyboard review, there can be sometimes an information overload. To understand why you need to consider before buying one, we must look at where they shine.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Zylix Plus With them on an ongoing foundation, you could beured of taking part in repeat business for many years to return.
    http://www.drozhealthblog.com/zylix-plus/

    ReplyDelete
  35. A gripping wonderfully written blog. Truly a gift for its audience.
    computer desk

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sell and Buy products and services on Pakistan best in minutes. Free ads in Pakistan. Looking for a product or service in Pakistan.
    Pakistani Chat Room

    ReplyDelete
  37. Heard about your thermodynamix store from a dear friend. He really likes your items and services. thermodynamix

    ReplyDelete
  38. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. real carding

    ReplyDelete
  39. Technology stocks are very fickle when it comes to investors earning large profits from them. One day, you're soaring high in the air, and then the next day, you're buried more than 6ft. deep.inside the radar

    ReplyDelete
  40. If you are willing to be professional and make money online you must need to create a professional online tech blog.travelling with a drone

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards,
    Gb Instagram download

    ReplyDelete
  42. We all have had to face a tech problem in the past that required us to seek tech support.top 10 laptops 2018

    ReplyDelete
  43. It would appear that the writer has put an impressive measure of determined work into this.
    http://thepointsking.com/sell-points/

    ReplyDelete
  44. Saw many online journals. Read numerous works. This is something else. Something astounding.
    Complete details about Showbox or any related term

    ReplyDelete
  45. There are many shows and you can watch all of them. You will find internet site Check out

    ReplyDelete
  46. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Separation learning education COMPUTER SCIENCE MUT is ideal for the individuals who need to attend a university yet are either unfit to or don't have any desire to sit in a classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  48. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. standrewsdelhiThat is until you realize no one but you and your

    ReplyDelete

  49. I was reading some of your content on this list of east delhi schoolwebsite and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up.

    ReplyDelete
  50. This activity is very beneficial for us and through these, we can share and learn about back channel tools which are very important for us. I think, this is a positive step towards success in education field. Dissertation writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is why it is better that you should linked review before developing. It is possible to post superior send that way. Tech

    ReplyDelete
  52. This is why it is better that you should linked review before developing. It is possible to post superior send that way. Tech

    ReplyDelete
  53. It is rather very good, nevertheless glance at the data with this handle. online cna classes ca

    ReplyDelete