There are far too many Technologies available to us right now to only focus on one or two.  If one type of software is not working for us as teachers, then we must fix it, and if that does not work then we tend to switch to another type of software.  In the case of online learning, it has been found that teachers utilize video conferencing software daily, but what about after hours? Should teachers be allowed to talk to students after official school hours are over? What about teachers’ aides? During the class lesson, should students raise their hand to ask a question and interrupt the teacher or should they send a message to a teacher's aide who explains to them more thoroughly, so the class is not interrupted?  

Do You Use Instant Messaging?

Although instant messaging is not widely used in a brick-and-mortar classroom, it can be incredibly advantageous for online learning.  Instant messaging, and text messaging, when applied in the right areas, can provide students with a second outlet in which to ask questions, confirm their understanding, and ask for guidance (Contreras-Castillo, Juan, et al, 2006).

Instant messaging can help build student-teacher relationships as well as trust. It can also be used as mini-formative assessments. Since online learning takes place over a distance, teachers need every method to foster an interdependent relationship from teachers to students. Although some K12 teachers block discussion, sometimes, it can help create an online space where all the students can talk and become acquainted with one another and dive further into discussing the topic. Since teachers are the host, we can download the transcript to see what questions students may have had, or what discussions students were having with each other. Yes, trust is a factor but this can be one way to build those relationships.  

Do You Allow for Students to Talk During Class?

Although Zoom and Teams have made instant messaging a little easier, some teachers find the messaging software(s) for many online distance programs are not sufficient. They are clunky, and the programs are not updated fast enough to rectify these problems. One of the best reasons to use instant messaging is that many students feel like they don't have to wait for an answer like they would have to use in the traditional online learning software (Quality Matters, 2019).

Why Not Give Students Space to Have Discussion and Conversation During Class?

Creating a space where students can collaborate must be a priority for both teachers and the learning program. It is because students just don't learn from teachers, they also learn from their peers who could provide advice, especially if they also struggled in that area. A great reason to integrate instant messaging for peer-to-peer contact is that it erases the perception students would have of one another if they were to see each other face-to-face. Since no one can see each other face to face due to Covid19 restrictions, students that normally would not talk to each other in real life are far more likely to have a conversation with one another. So we all should make instant messaging a part of your classroom, it will provide robust conversations and allow for student leaders to mentor others!

References:

Contreras-Castillo, Juan, et al. “Assessing the Use of Instant Messaging in Online Learning Environments.” Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 14, no. 3, 2006, pp. 205–218., doi:10.1080/10494820600853876.

“Class Size in Online Courses: What the Research Says.” Quality Matters, 20 Aug. 2019, www.qualitymatters.org/qa-resources/resource-center/articles-resources/research-on-class-size.

Philip. (2016, December 18). The history of messaging, and where it's going. off on a tangent. https://trauring.org/history-of-messaging-where-its-going/.