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.