This article is the fifth in a series of five articles about scenarios for mobile learning.
These are linked to an initiative to promote and capture innovation in e-learning.
What is it?
Students engage in ‘back-channel’ discussion during a presented session by posting short text-based messages from their devices. Comments can be made available on participants’ devices or a large screen in real time, or revealed at a specific moment to summarise key points or answer questions.
Benefits
There are a range of possible benefits: Back channelling can improve student collaboration, knowledge sharing and network building, and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. Inviting comments or questions from students indicates that their opinions are of value, and encourages engagement. Back channelling may contribute to the development of a relationship between presenter and learner, promote inclusivity, and engage the teacher in the role of facilitator. Lastly, an archive of the back-channel comments of the session can be produced and used as the basis for further learning or activities.
How it can work
Technology: Wi-fi based applications can be used to minimise texting costs to students. They may need to have accounts on relevant websites, e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Yammer etc., or to download and install an appropriate mobile app., ideally before the session. In these technologies, a hash (#) tag (for Twitter) or a group (for Facebook) are set up to collect comments together. Virtual classroom software such as Adobe Connect can also be used (contact the Help Desk for information).
Management: Back channel comments can be used to start and develop discussions, but students may need prompting about when to post contributions and the type of contribution expected e.g. questions, feedback, or open discussion. The session archive can be saved alongside the presented materials, and used to create session summaries, and to provide feedback to the presenter(s). The technique can be used in learning scenarios, e.g. by adopting different roles and posting from different perspectives, or by inviting external contributors, e.g. employers, experts, or mentors to contribute alongside the students.
Potential issues
Colleagues or students may not understand the activity or its value, so support may be required initially. An alternative session plan is useful if there aren’t many contributions.
It is important to strike a balance between the ‘front channel’, i.e. the presented material and activities, and the ‘back channel’ communications. Students may also be distracted into using their devices for other activities.
Students may make negative or inappropriate postings. Guidance can help, and if individuals can be identified, this may provide a deterrent. However the presenter may be very exposed, particularly where un-moderated comments are viewed in real-time.
External individuals may stumble across a hashtag and contribute comments without invitation. Alternatively there may be reduced connectivity due to the volume of people trying to use wi-fi or mobile phone connections.
Follow up on this article
- Share your own mobile learning innovation – and win £500 and a pie/cake!
- View all five scenarios (download a Word doc).
- See Educause ‘7 things’ article about ‘Backchannel communication’
- See Educause ‘7 things’ article about ‘Open-Ended Response Systems’
