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INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN TIPS: Communication
Choosing communications tools: When should certain communication tools be used?
Synchronous (Real-time) Communications
For one to one or small groups (i.e. approximately 2- 5 participants) communications
requiring real-time, or synchronous, communications such as real-time, online classroom
discussions, TA sessions, and office hour type question/answer forums, Blackboard’s
Virtual Classroom is our version of Blackboard’s only integrated synchronous communication
tool. Archives of the Blackboard’s Virtual Classroom sessions can be created for
asynchronous, or for later viewing for those unable to attend the live session and for
review for those attending the live session. Other features of the Virtual Classroom
include an electronic whiteboard, slide show, floor control, etc.
Asynchronous (Non-real-time) Communications
Although, Blackboard has the ability to use synchronous communications via the Virtual
Classroom, Blackboard was developed to primarily be an asynchronous tool. Thus all of
Blackboard’s communication tools can be used for asynchronous communications.
The following table facilitates choosing which of Blackboard’s primary communications
tools by summarizing some best practices for using each of these primary communication tools:
Selected Different Communication Tools and Purposes
Selected Course/Class Benefit/Task
|
Communication Type
|
Recommended Primary Blackboard Communication Tools(s |
Extending discussion beyond the face to face time
|
Asynchronous
|
Discussion Board |
Providing real-time one-to-one or small group sessions
|
Synchronous
|
Virtual Classroom |
Sharing annotated graphics
|
Synchronous
|
Virtual Classroom |
Taking students on virtual tour of basic (no frames, etc.) web pages
|
Synchronous
|
Virtual Classroom |
Sending updated or emergency to the class
|
Asynchronous
|
Send E-mail |
Documenting communication
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous |
All of Blackboard’s communication tools |
Student-to-student communication
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Send E-mail |
Peer Review
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Send E-mail |
Self introductions
|
Asynchronous
|
Discussion Board |
| Student moderated/lead discussion |
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Send E-mail |
Peer Review
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Send E-mail |
Self introductions
|
Asynchronous
|
Discussion Board |
Student moderated/lead discussion
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Virtual Classroom |
Writing equations
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Virtual Classroom (i.e. whiteboard)
|
Sending general, non-emergency announcement
|
Asynchronous
|
Announcements |
Providing space for common questions and responses
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Virtual Classroom, Announcements |
Summarizing group work
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Virtual Classroom |
Keeping students aware of deadlines
|
Asynchronous/Synchronous
|
Discussion Board, Virtual Classroom, Announcements |
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Choosing Communications Tools
