Synchronous Conferencing as Mindful ToolsMEGAN SCHULTZ

NOVEMBER 2, 2014

EDT 640

What is synchronous communication?

Also known as real-time communication

Occurs face to face with two or more people

Individuals communicate at same time on a shared network

Individuals are open to each other

Different environments include; 1RC's, PC conferences, MUD's, MOO's, WOO's, MUSH

1nternet Relay Chat (1RC)

• Basic interactions through typed messages between groups of users

• Oldest form of synchronous conferencing

• Extensions are more explicit

Examples of Mindful Tools

Interner Relay- "ask an expert"

Desktop Conferencing- Global Schoolhouse and Scientist on Tap Project

Role Playing/Debating- "Meeting of Mind"

Shared Workspaces- collaborating on shared document

Related Mind tools- asynchronous technologies, email, LISTSERVs, newsgroups

Online Collaborative Group Guidelines

Orientation

Define the problem

Subdivide the problem

Establish roles

Seek information

Share information

Monitor

Negotiate understanding

Evaluating Synchronous Communication as Mind Tools

Critical, creative, and complex thinking is synchronous conferencing

Important for teacher to pose interesting, engaging questions, problems or projects for students

Primary critical thinking skill is evaluating

Evaluating ideas and connecting them is most difficult

Evaluating Student Synchronous Conferencing

Measure based on quality of student contributions to conversations

Rubric should include: student messages on task and relevant

originality of student ideas

conversations are threaded/organized

Synchronous Conferencing as Mindful Tools

Advantages Sense of immediacy is

compelling

Live interactions produce more motivation to contribute

Limitations Easy to lose focus; distractions

Easy to lose track of conversation threads

Difficult to avoid social discussions

Summary

Synchronous computer conferencing is new

Little research yet

Chats & MOOs are social gatherings where users have different identities

Implications have not been thought through

Potentially powerful medium to support collaboration and social negotiation

New applications will become evident