Abstract

"Instant Messaging makes it Real:
Social Glue for Online Learning"

Conference: Tech Ed 2005
Date: April 2005
Location: Pasadena, CA
Audience: national conference for community college faculty, staff, and administration.
Co-presenter: Dr. Paul Sparks, Pepperdine University

Description: Chatting, texting, cell phones, pagers, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM): Millennials are accustomed to being in constant communication with each other through various technologies. They are already using these communication spaces socially and academically, and want to bring that access with them into the online learning environments of the future. We have responded to our students' need for real-time interaction and built it into our program. We show examples of students using IM to collaborate with each other in group projects, to clarify assignments, to engage in discussions while watching media, and to open up “back channel” communications during online presentations. Former students and faculty will discuss how IM can be used to foster a learning community that takes advantage of the digital communication skills of the millennial generation.

Conference Program [PDF]