Take a Walk with Me into the Backchannels of Learning

A backchannel is a way for learners to communicate and talk during a learning session. Backchannel communication can also be viewed as informal learning. 

I got my inspiration for this blog both from my reading on Conversations on the hashtag: Does conference twitter use promote professional discourse by Dennen (2011) and CRS 6414 Blog, where informal and formal learning are discussed in a video. If you haven't checked it out, it was a great reflection on some of the course readings this week.   

I am currently teaching Grade 2 students and they are at an age where they are young enough not to have a filter yet old enough to be bold with their sharing. I was reflecting on if my classroom has a version of a backchannel communication and what it would look like if I added backchannel communication to learning in my classroom. I was thinking that there are times when a version of backchannels or informal learning exist, I believe because of the nature of their age and the learning environment. I always tell my students that I am learning too and we learn together and sometimes you are teaching me and I am teaching you and in this learning space you are supported to make mistakes and to share your thoughts. I think my class this year has taken that to heart. If they have an opinion about learning, they will share it, if I make a mistake on the whiteboard, they will happily point it out, and if they have questions, they will ask them. In this grade, I believe both the formal learning and discussion that I lead and moderate and the informal learning or backchannel communication is present, but the backchannel communication is happening out loud. 

But what about when learners develop that filter and the boldness turns to hesitation? What happens when the learners that are struggling the most don't feel comfortable or safe to reach out? 

I believe offering backchannel communication in learning allows greater access to more students and enhances the learning process, especially when backchannel tools are used to alleviate some of the pressure of raising your hand and asking a question or admitting that something does not make sense. 

Participation is important in K-12 but also beyond. When universities, conferences or workplaces offer backchannel communication, it provides an individual or learner with an alternative way to participate and engage in their learning environment. 

I listened to a podcast on Classroom Backchannel Tools that offered 9 backchannel tools to use in the classroom. Some I have used, like Padlet, others would be really cool to explore. There is one where called GoSoupBox that has a 'confusion barometer' that you can use to evaluate understanding. Sometimes I ask students to do a quick thumbs up, middle, down to show how they feel about understanding a topic. I ask them to hold their thumb by their chest so others aren't looking or influenced, most are honest, but this is not the case for every student. This app would offer a more accurate evaluation of whether I need to revisit a concept. GoSoupBox can also be used for courses, conferences and meetings too! 

There are various forms of backchannel communication and ways to engage students in their learning informally. Can you think of any other forms of backchannel communication that you have participated in or use yourself?