Instant messaging (IM) offers two functions that are unique to online communication:
The ability to conduct text based conversations in real time (synchronous).
The ability to know who is connected and available to chat.
IM allows users to conduct one-to-one or many-to-many conversations where a group of individuals can converse. IM can be used for informal communication tasks in the workplace[1] and is perfect for discussing a collaborative project. The general mood of IM is usually casual, informal, and friendly[2], there is a tolerance for spelling mistakes or typos, and speech-like writing is common, all of these factors can help in the early stages of group formation.
IM is an informal, spontaneous and opportunistic form of communication[3] and users of IM are able to carry out efficient exchanges as IM allows them to eliminate the formalities of address associated with phone and email[4]. For these reasons IM can faciliate quick and easy discourse between group members. For example, if a group member has a question that can be answered by anyone in the group and they see that someone is available online, they will be able to recieve a very speedy reply to their question. Time is not wasted emailing the entire group.
Another benefit of IM is that the entire group can chat online, meetings can take place, the minutes of which are automatically created as you type, and can be saved to be referenced during the course of the project.
Instant Messaging Links
Google Talk - the Instant Messenger from Google (also can be used to Group Chat).
An alternative to IM is using chat rooms to converse with group members. Similar to IM, except that the group members must organise a time and place online in which to meet.
The majority of current IM software includes voice-chat and video-chat. This could be used as an alternative to IM and chat rooms. Voice chat is similar to a phone call. Video chat contains both voice and video. For groups containing 2 members this can be an efficient way to converse, however, for larger groups this can be less beneficial.
Voice and Video Chat Links
Skype - make free calls to other Skype internet users.
The instant messenger programs listed in the Instant Messaging Links, once download, can be used to make voice and video calls.
Asynchronous
Email
Email is advantageous, because the author has much more control over the composition of the message than they do of face-to-face communication and and this helps them to create more polite messages[5]. Email is different to IM and chat because the sender and reciever do not have to be online at the same time. Email can be used to transfer files, and multiple group members can be emailed at the same time.
To enhance communication through email, use descriptive non-emotional subject lines[6].
Goolge Groups / Yahoo Groups
Online groups such as Google Groups and Yahoo Groups takes email a step further and creates what are called mailing lists. When a member of the list sends a note to the group's special address, the e-mail is broadcast to all of the members of the list. The key advantage of a mailing list over a things such as web-based discussion is that as new message becomes available they are immediately delivered to the participants' mailboxes. Members of the mailing list can control how often they recieve updates, so for very busy groups you could choose to recieve only a digest of weekly activity. However, the difference between these groups and the standard mailing list described is that you have the option of accessing these messages from the group website, and also setting up small pages of information, uploading documents/images and other features.
During project work the Internet can be used to send completed pieces of work to the project manger or to collaborate on documents with other group members. A straightforward method in which to do both of these is sending files via email. However, this can cause issues when there are large groups working on the same complex document. Using websites like Google Documents and Zoho Writer is a far more efficent method for online collaboration. They also give you more control over your files, for example you can invite some members of your group to view the document and others to make edits.
Video: "Google Documents Explained in Plain English"
Nardi A. B., Whittacker, S., & Bradner, E. (2000). Interaction and Outeraction: Instant Messaging in Action. Retrieved November 24th, 2007, from http://dis.shef.ac.uk/stevewhittaker/outeraction_cscw2000.pdf ▲
Nardi A. B., Whittacker, S., & Bradner, E. (2000). Interaction and Outeraction: Instant Messaging in Action. Retrieved November 24th, 2007, from http://dis.shef.ac.uk/stevewhittaker/outeraction_cscw2000.pdf ▲
Herbsleb D. J., Atkins L. D., Boyer G. D., Handel M., & Finholt A. T. (2002). Introducing Instant Messaging and Chat in the Workplace. Retrieved 24th November, 2007, from http://www.crew.umich.edu/Technical%20reports/Herbsleb_Atkins_Boyer_Handel_Finholt _Introducing_instant_messaging_12_10_01.pdf ▲
Nardi A. B., Whittacker, S., & Bradner, E. (2000). Interaction and Outeraction: Instant Messaging in Action. Retrieved November 24th, 2007, from http://dis.shef.ac.uk/stevewhittaker/outeraction_cscw2000.pdf ▲
Walther, J. B. (1996). Computer-mediated communication: Impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction. Communication Research, 23, 1, 3-43. ▲
Grosvenor, L. (1998). Hybrid Language: A Study of E-mail and Miscommunication. Retrieved 19th November, 2007, from http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1998/PDFs/00090.PDF ▲
This is a really helpfu lwiki Sinead. The information and guidelines are really useful. Thanks also for hooking me up on various tools in a practical way, throughout the course including google chat and talk gadget, and of course twitter.
Comments (3)
avril.burgess@... said
at 12:46 pm on Jan 7, 2009
Have you seen Michael Chandler's Washingtonpost article ' More and More, Schools Got Game: Teachers Turn to Simulations, Other Software for Variety of Lessons' ? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010401532.html
mary o'brien said
at 6:03 pm on Jan 7, 2009
This is a really helpfu lwiki Sinead. The information and guidelines are really useful. Thanks also for hooking me up on various tools in a practical way, throughout the course including google chat and talk gadget, and of course twitter.
Sinead Cochrane said
at 7:36 am on Jan 8, 2009
@Avril A really great article, you should forward that to Marion ;)
@Mary Thanks you, I'm glad this is useful.
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