Back+Channel

=Back Channel= Back channel or back chat gives students an opportunity to collaborate in a live, Instant Messaging type environment. A room is created with a custom URL, no software must be loaded, no login or account is required. Students simply enter the URL and they are in. Decide if students should use their real name or alias - there are examples when either would be appropriate (e.g. use an alias when discussing personal/private information.) Back Channel Best Practices from BackChan

Practice
Go to and share your favorite collaborative website or tool. Also share any tips you have for creating powerful collaborative projects. This room was created to be available unitl Dec. 8, 2009 (one week.)

Tips:

 * 1) A back channel can be used as a chat room during class or by students collaborating on a project.
 * 2) Use back channel during a class discussion to check for understanding. This may be displayed, such as on a second screen during your presentation, or hidden and referenced at the end of the presentation.
 * 3) See if the back channel site allows the questions or comments to be saved for later review. They should at least be able to be copied and pasted to save.
 * 4) You can't go back and change what was said or to fix a typo once it has been entered. Encourage students to be sure of what they want to say before hitting **.**

Back Channel Websites
BackNoise TodaysMeet Back Channel TinyChat