The Power of Backchanneling

Backchanneling is the process of having a side conversation during a presentation.  Basically, it is the modern way of passing notes.  This can actually be a powerful learning tool for students during certain class activities, just as it is for teachers during a professional development training (c'mon, teachers backchannel ALL the time).  So, let me give you an example of the learning potential of backchanneling.

Back in February, Mrs. Jessen's Honors Biology class participated in a distance learning program through WVIZ/PBS Civic Common ideastream and in cooperation with the Great lakes Science Center about Lake Erie algal blooms and their wide-reaching impacts on water quality.  For the first 20 minutes of the program students were engrossed in listening to the discussion between the expert panelists partaking in the forum, which included politicians, scientists, business leaders, city leaders, and community activists.  Then, as the conversation progressed, engagement in the program began to wane.

Suddenly it hit me - why don't I create a shared Google Doc, so that students and teachers can post their questions and comments about what they are hearing from the program?  (Duh, yes I'm a tech coach.)  So, I quickly created a doc, shared it with Mrs. Jessen and her class, and KABOOM - meaningful dialogue between students and other students, and between students and teachers started happening.

Here are some of the comments and questions from the shared gDoc:

• If the protists causing these algal blooms are toxic based on the number of genes expressed, can we find a way to alter those genes to prevent toxicity?
• They mentioned that the Toledo incident happened mainly because they only had 1 water intake, I think.. Is Vermilion the same or do we have more?
• What kind of bacteria or viruses can limit algal blooms? I feel like that may make the problem worse depending on what is used

(full conversation available here)

See what I mean?  So, what are some tools that we as teachers can use to promote appropriate student backchanneling?  Obviously, Google Docs as the example above illustrates is an effective tool.  Not only can you monitor the conversation and chime in, but you can see the revision history of who said what.  Twitter is another option, although one that you as a teacher have less control over.  However, it may set up an ideal situation to integrate a conversation with students about responsible digital citizenship.  Along the same lines as Twitter, but more visual is Instagram.  TodaysMeet, Socrative, and GoSoapBox are other free sites that allow your students to answer questions and post discussion items.  Please contact me if you would like to further explore backchanneling in your classroom!