Backchannel CommunicationConsidering the influence of parallel

communication channels on cognitive load

AECT 2010 Summer Research SymposiaJennifer Maddrell and Dr. Ginger Watson

Old Dominion University

Share observations from practice

Consider existing research

Discuss implications for future research and practice

The Plan

Backchannel

Parallel text-chat exchanges among participants

occurring simultaneously with the live web-

conferenced instructional presentation.

Backchannel in Practice

Social Media & Open Education http://eci831.wikispaces.com/

InstructorDr. Alec Couros, University of Regina

Guest SpeakerDr. Richard Schwier, University of Saskatchewan

Synchronous SessionSeptember 22, 2009 using Elluminate Live

During the 95 minute live

session, over 75 participants

attended Dr. Schwier’s presentation.

… and made over 1,360 text-chat

entries ... or about 14 posts every

minute!

1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 35 36 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 Over 510

5

10

15

20

25

20

18

9

56

34

1 1

3

6

Session Text-chat Post-ings

Number of Text-chat Posts During Session

Num

ber o

f Stu

dent

s

64 Instructor Posts …

important point!

It is amazing to think that this community is potentially living this content, these questions ...

anyone need any clarification on any points? send me a private message.

exactly lisa

good points dennis

it does take some getting used to

This is very interesting as it applies to this class ... and everyone here!!!

@jeff give this some time, but I would invite you to ask that question near the end.

if there is something you want me to ask, feel free to send me a private message here, or give me the old @alec

Fosters Communication and Interaction

Creates Frustration and Distraction

Cognitive Load Theory

The instructional design of the learning environment should attempt to minimize

extraneous load, optimize germane load, and manage intrinsic load.

- Kester, Kirschner, & van Merriënboer, 2006

Backchannel Research

Instructional Setting

Other Settings

Suggestions from Research

Extraneous(minimize)

Laptops in Class[distraction]

Irrelevant Activity

Germane(optimize)

Laptops in Class [task engagement]

Critical Reflection & Discourse

[knowledge construction]

Intrinsic(manage)

Cues from Learner [helps presenter

transition, segment and sequence]

Reciprocal Dialogue

[learner responses shape

presentation]

Observations from practice

Suggestions from existing research

Implications for future research and practice

Your Thoughts?