Communicating Online

Communicating online can be one to one or one to many. Text-based asynchronous communications occur via email, class and group discussion boards. Most recently there has been attention given to voice-based asynchronous podcasting within education. There is also an upsurge in the use of synchronous online communications which involves real time interactions via instant messaging, virtual classrooms, webinars, and voice over internet protocols  such as Skype. For further details refer to Tools for interacting online.

Research indicates that online asynchronous based communications can enhance the development of reflective learning including metacognition. It further allows for more equal levels of participation. For further details on the effectiveness of online communicating, refer to Learning Communities, Collaboration and Webinars.