Online Now: Introduction to Communication Tools

What you will be able to do after this section:

• Differentiate the uses and purposes of synchronous and asynchronous tools.
• Identify the benefits and limitations of each communication method.

Within all disciplines, we develop and utilize tools that can make our lives easier. Some tools can allow tasks to be completed more efficiently, while others may assist in fostering meaningful conversation. The online classroom is just as well-equipped for these needs. There are a variety of tools available that can enhance the learning and teaching processes, so it is important to explore what the learning platform has to offer.

While you may think about what you are going to say in a classroom, you may not take into consideration the length of time it will take for the class to process it.. In a face-to-face classroom, a lot of our communication with students happens at the same time, in the same place. You may be accustomed to holding full class discussions, where the students can participate all together in real-time.. In contrast, if you were to record a lecture, learners might watch the video at a time that is most convenient for each individual student. Therefore, it is imperative to consider how communication time frames shift in the online classroom.

Much of the process of learning is rooted in communication. As the instructor, you communicate to students, either in a lecture or facilitation. You also have less formal communications, perhaps through one-on-one interaction with students, answering questions in office hours, emails, or perhaps announcements in a learning management system.

In an online environment, communication can feel more complex due to the many possible tools and functions of communication technology available in the online space. Generally, when we talk about interaction in online environments, we talk about whether those communications are synchronous (everyone is on and participating at the same time) or asynchronous (participation is generally bounded by time, but not necessarily at the same time).

Which is the right tool for me?

Neither asynchronous communication or synchronous communication is the “right” tool for learning. The tool itself does not directly impact learning, rather it is the design of the learning experience and method of instruction that really matters. Remember, the point of communication is to bridge the gap from learner to the classroom community. Some tools are more adept at certain tasks than others, so it is important to weigh the advantages and challenges of both synchronous and asynchronous communication tools.

Synchronous Tools:

Good for: quickly building community, answering questions quickly, small group work, students who are all in the same time zone, continuity of a “typical” class.

Challeges: Learners with time constraints or different time zones can’t always participate, learners who depend on extra time for writing/reflection struggle with the syncronous nature, need to build social etiquette.

Types of tools: Instant messenger/chat (Google hangouts), Video conferencing (Zoom, Blue Jeans), Slack

Asynchronous Tools:

Good for: Developing more thoughtful and reflective answers, students who may not be comfortable speaking, geographically dispersed populations or adult learners who may struggle to be able to be online at the same time

Challenges: Students lack immediate feedback, careful moderation is needed to make sure all students participate, tends to be a lot of text which can be overwhelming

Tools used: Email, discussion boards (Canvas, Coursera, Piazza), Slack, annotation tools (Perusall), blogs, wikis.