Tools for interacting online

The following are web-based online interaction tools. Some are asynchronous (different time, different place) and others are synchronous (same time, different place). Several questions need to be considered before adopting online tools.

• Is it necessary or appropriate for my particular course?
• Does it support or contribute to the learning processes in the course?
• What does it achieve compared to other teaching approaches?
• Is it linked to assessment?
• Does it support all learners in the course?
• Does it increase/decrease the load for students? For the instructor?
• What strategies are available to overcome an increase in load for either students or instructors?

Asynchronous

Blogs

Discussion Boards

Email

Podcasting

Wikis (The University of Adelaide Wiki Farm)

Synchronous

Instant Messaging

Virtual Classrooms

VOIP - voice over Internet protocols

Webinars

Moderation and Facilitation

The Moderator's Home Page
Resources for Moderators and Facilitators of Online Discussion (Berge Collins Associates)