| Asynchronous Tools |
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Advantages to using asynchronous methods:
Makes efficient and effective use of students’ time; provides more time to reflect and prepare answers; encourages student engagement |
Things to plan for when using asynchronous methods:
In order to keep students focused and from feeling isolated, faculty will need to facilitate interaction; can be time-consuming; requires contained time frames |
For Further Information: |
| Discussion Boards |
Discussion boards can be used for: ice breakers, team projects, discussion questions, weekly summaries, problem-solving, case studies |
Illinois Online Network: Activities That Promote Discussion
Effective Online Facilitation
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| Blogs |
Blogs can be used for: reflective writing assignments, knowledge sharing |
7 Things You Should Know About Blogs (PDF) |
Wikis
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Wikis can be used for: team projects, collaborative content creation, study groups, compiling histories, tutorials |
7 Things You Should Know About Wikis (PDF) |
Image Sharing (Flickr, VoiceThread)
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Image sharing can be used for: group critiques, collaborative storytelling, group discussions online |
7 Things You Should Know About Flickr (PDF)
VoiceThread |
| Podcasts |
Podcasts can be used for: lectures, team interviews, presentations, language acquisition activities |
7 Things You Should Know About Podcasts (PDF) |
| Synchronous Tools |
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Advantages to using synchronous methods:
Builds feeling of community and classroom cohesion; provides rapid feedback; encourages student engagement |
Things to plan for when using synchronous methods:
Requires lots of advanced preparation, little room for error, requires practice, may need technical support during the activity
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For Further Information: |
| Chat |
Chat can be used for: small group discussions, virtual office hours |
7 Things You Should Know About Instant Messaging (PDF)
Using Chat in the Classroom |
| Web Conferencing (Wimba), Video Conferencing |
Web conferencing can be used for: lectures, guest speakers |
FCPE Wimba Tutorial
Moodle Wimba Tutorial
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