Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Top 10 Sites for Back Channeling

"Backchannel is the practice of using networked computers to maintain a real-time online conversation alongside live spoken remarks. (Wikipedia)" It is a term that has been around for awhile but not something I really looked into until I had the chance to use it at the WEMTA tech conference. This is such a useful way to collaborate w/ educators/students when introducing a new idea, presenting in front of a large crowd, or even when watching a video and you want to engage the students.



I'd like to thank Naomi Harm for her resources/help in compiling this list!!

  1. Donut Chat - Quite simply the best most robust site for creating an easy to use chat room. A user has the ability to filter words, manage multiple rooms, and even embed it into their site!
  2. Neat Chat - The easiest/best site for creating a fast/simple chat room to use as a back channel. Also, has the ability to print out chats and upload files!
  3. Chatzy - Create a private room and invite via email or URL, includes advanced features such as the ability to use commands.
  4. BackNoise - Very user friendly, w/ the ability to mute/hide a text
  5. TodaysMeet - Is an excellent site similar to Twitter in that u can chat w/ up to 140 characters, great for printing out transcripts!
  6. TinyChat - Create a room that integrates directly w/ Twitter, as well as the ability to do video/audio chatting.
  7. Twiddla - One of the best collaborative whiteboards for commenting/drawing in your own "sandbox". Users also have the ability to chat via text/audio in real time.
  8. Skrbl - An easy to use interactive whiteboard where people have the ability to chat/text/draw all in the space place.
  9. PinDax - Is an innovative way for online note taking. Plus, it gives the user the ability to chat and post images in real-time.
  10. Google Wave - Create "waves" for people to join and chat/upload files in real-time.

1 comment:

  1. Hi David,

    Thank you very much for always sharing such great resources with us :) I love reading your blog.

    This may not be pertinent to technology, but I thought it would be a nice treat for all the teachers and students. In the celebration of the Earth Day, Starbucks is giving away free brewed coffee to anyone who brings in his/her own travel mug tomorrow on Thursday, April 15th.
    http://www.starbucks.com/thebigpicture
    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

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