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Using Digital Technologies: Digital Dialogue
This support material is incorporated into critical challenges at grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; however, it can be adapted for use at all grade levels.
Digital dialogue allows students to engage in conversations that broaden the scope of learning beyond the classroom. These technologies provide the platform for students to learn the skills of extending a conversation––asking a subsequent question, disagreeing respectfully and taking the original thought further.
Using text/video chat tools
Text and/or video chats allow students to take part in real-time discussions
with others from around the world. This technology can be used in the classroom
in a variety of ways.
Suggested uses include:
- bringing a guest to the classroom
- going on virtual field trips
- communicating with e-pals
- sharing experiences with other classes.
For a list of suggested text/video chat tools, see References.
Using online forums or discussion groups
Online forums allow participants to easily share files, post ideas and conduct
discussions beyond the classroom.
Suggested uses include:
- engaging in a class debate
- creating a homework helpline
- posting an article
- suggesting a topic for discussion
- sharing ideas and posting documents as part of a group project.
References
| Title: | Skype |
| Host: | Skype |
| Description: | Skype enables teachers and students to expand the walls of their classroom by taking part in synchronous, real-time discussions with learners across the world. Skype can function as a telephone, instant messaging service or a videoconferencing tool. |
| URL: | http://www.skype.com |
| Title: | 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom |
| Host: | teachingdegree.org |
| Description: | This list is divided into categories: Promoting Education, Promoting Community, Skype Ideas for Teachers and Parents, Resources for Getting Started and Using Skype, and Finding Others Using Skype. |
| URL: | http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/ |
| Title: | Google Talk and Video Chat Plug-In |
| Host: | |
| Description: | Google Talk (PC only, Windows XP or later) is a downloadable chat application. Text chat allows real-time instant messages and file transfer. Voice chat allows PC-to-PC calls and audio conferencing. The video chat plug-in (for PC and Mac) adds voice and video capabilities to Gmail, iGoogle and Orkut Chat. |
| URL: | http://www.google.com/talk/ |
| Title: | Google Groups |
| Host: | |
| Description: | Google Groups is a free, online service that helps groups of people easily share information and communicate effectively. Groups are public or private places where members share files, post ideas and conduct discussions via e-mail. All e-mails sent to the group are archived for future reference and are easily searchable. |
| URL: | http://groups.google.com/ |
| Title: | DiscussionApp |
| Host: | YourWebApps |
| Description: | DiscussionApp is a free, easy-to-use Web application that enables teachers to create online forums and discussion groups for classroom use. Register for a free account with YourWebApps and then create a discussion page. |
| URL: | http://yourwebapps.com/ |
Credits
Adapted from Critical Challenges Across the Curriculum series. Permission granted by The Critical Thinking Consortium for use by Alberta teachers.
