Introducing Backchannel Technology into a Large Undergraduate Course

Backchannel technology can be used to allow students in large lecture courses to communicate with each other and the instructor during the delivery of lecture content and class discussions. It can also be utilized by instructors to capture, summarize, and integrate student questions, ideas, and need...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of learning and technology 2016, Vol.42 (1)
Main Authors: Neustifter, Ruth, Kukkonen, Tuuli, Coulter, Claire, Landry, Samantha
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active Learning
Canada
Classroom Communication
Comparative Analysis
Computer Mediated Communication
Computer Software
Control Groups
Conventional Instruction
Experimental Groups
Foreign Countries
Grade Point Average
Grades (Scholastic)
Handheld Devices
Interpersonal Communication
Large Group Instruction
Learner Engagement
Learning Strategies
Lecture Method
Likert Scales
Multivariate Analysis
Online Surveys
Outcomes of Education
Peer Relationship
Satisfaction
Teacher Student Relationship
Technology Integration
Technology Uses in Education
Undergraduate Students
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Summary:Backchannel technology can be used to allow students in large lecture courses to communicate with each other and the instructor during the delivery of lecture content and class discussions. It can also be utilized by instructors to capture, summarize, and integrate student questions, ideas, and needs into course content both immediately and throughout the course. The authors integrated backchannel software in one of two sections of a course, leaving the other section as a control; combined, the two sections contained a total number of 871 students. Data was gathered comparing both groups using online surveys and semester grades; results showed that the section using backchannel software had higher class satisfaction and perception of engagement, used their mobile devices more for accessing class content, felt more comfortable participating in class discussions, and had a higher grade average than the section that did not. The authors also explore their own experiences of finding, integrating, and maintaining backchannel technology.
ISSN:1499-6677