Exploring the affordances of online chat messaging for teaching and learning: a case study in higher education

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Research and Development in Higher Education Vol. 32: The Student Experience

July, 2009, 715 pages
Published by
Helen Wozniak and Sonia Bartoluzzi
ISBN
0 908557 78 7
Abstract 

Compared to asynchronous tools, the advantage of synchronous learning environments is that it allows for enhanced interaction amongst learners and educator. While we are aware of the advantages of this technology, more research can be done in this field of technology to add to current body of knowledge of pedagogical strategies in an effort to create engaging and meaningful learning environments for our learners. The objective of this study is to begin to examine the affordances of online chat messaging during an online video conferencing session to supplement traditional face to face classroom sessions and to consider strategies of integrating it into teaching and learning. This study utilized the Wimba Classroom tool, at the National Institute of Education, Singapore with lecturers from three different academic groups.

Keywords: synchronous learning, online chat messaging