What is a Backchannel and why is it needed?

[Vicki Davis]

A backchannel is a live chat conversation that accompanies a live presentation. Some educators (such as me) are using these with great results at conferences.

Here is how it works:
1) Presenter presents at the front as usual.

2) A backchannel chat occurs -

Google presentations is used which has a built in chat feature, the only drawback is that those without a gmail account, cannot use it.

Or another live group chat feature is used.

As the presenter presents, he/she may say something like:

"OK, if you have a blog, drop the link in there." or
"There are several options for moderating comments, if you're already blogging, drop in what you do."
or
People may ask questions or share links.

The presenter presents as usual, but has some one or two in the backchannel facilitating. They answer questions, help with links. Answer things someone missed that the speaker said.

Two - three time sin the conversation, the presenter will turn to the backchannel facilitator and ask,

"What kinds of questions are going on in the chat? Please summarize."

This facilitates everyone's communication.

I'm going to do this in my own and of course, presenters should be given a choice. The only problem is that the way it happens now, these archives are lost. Conference creators cannot aggregate all of these chats in one place and get feedback on what the people were excited about in the presentation. Additionally, it is a great resource documenting the practices of those in the room.

As we move classrooms from "sage on the stage" environments, we need to create environments for teachers to be participatory and involved and it is hard to do with a 45-60 minute presentation. Backchannels does this beautifully.

So, the choice is to let everyone do this adhoc or to create some sort of group chat system with "rooms" for each of the sessions and record and archive it. Or at least some central place to include all links and chats.

Conferences are ignoring this valuable tool and if there is some way to capture this, it would be amazing!!

[Cheri Toledo]

Vicki -

Are you planning on using Google Presenter? I can be your facilitator for that if you like. We can talk about it and work together ... that's the cool way of say, "Will you teach me?" :-)

Cheri

[Lori]

I've been enjoying being invited into backchannels that were happening in other parts of the world. Ustream TV has become popular and Skype can be used as well. Even twitters can be used to notify others that a backchannel is happening.

[Vicki Davis]

Cheri-- Yes. I am planning on it. and Lori -- I am planning on ustream as well.

I'd love to have you faciltate a session Cheri -- I have like 4 and I'd hate for you to be "stuck" with me. (Although it would be my joy.

We need to schedule a time to talk with Cheryl about how she did it. She was an incredible facilitator for me in Maine and really did a beautiful job.

The only think I wish we could do is AGGREGATE all of these backchannels. We are losing valuable information and input on the conference as we onsie toosie it.

[Scott Swanson]

There's one thing about aggregation of backchannels -- sometimes knowing the data is permanent and not temporary colors the type or quality of participation. This has been traditionally my major concern with formalizing ad-hoc backchannels, which I think many have been doing in a variety of ways for a very long time -- didn't we used to call this "note passing" in school, after all?

After Hargadon's success with Edubloggercon and his unconference format, I would very interested to have him weigh in on this matter. (Steve, are you reading this?)

[Tracy Murdach]

Backchanneling is something that I would be interested in looking into. Is there an opportunity for some of us to see this happening in real time to get a feel for what is needed?

I am thinking from a ILTCE Volunteers position, would this involve training of the potential backchanneling volunteers before the actual conference?

-Tracy Murdach
Volunteers Co-Chair

[Vicki Davis]

Wow, Tracy. Actually Cheryl Oakes facilitated my backchannel in Maine and really its happening everywhere although informally.

I would suggest talking to Cheryl about it. I ustreamed my presentation in Maine on blogging and the Internet was up the whole time during the presentation, so that is the best example, however my recording of what I shared doesn't do justice to the backchannel.

Not sure if this will embed but will try:

[Tracy Murdach]

Thanks, Vicki. The video worked fine.

I get it now! Neat idea and very worthwhile.

It was suggested that for this year, we should look for the more tech savvy volunteers to assist in backhanneling. I am not sure if my co-chair has had any experience with this but I know that I would be interested in looking into this for our conference.

I will ask to have this put this on our agenda and we will most likely discuss it at our November ILTCE meeting.

Have a great day!

[Vicki Davis]

I am so impressed. To even be discussing this at a conference level is visionary beyond imagination. Let me know how I can help. WOW!

[Scott Swanson]

I think we also need to consider the role that something like ning (or other social networking fabrics) has in being a "preemptive backchannel", as we are (in effect) metaconversing in a preparatory way. When you look at an informed durable backchannel with reflection, you're talking about pre-, mid-, and post-; that is a complete social networking lifecycle. Do we thus desire (or even require) something that is, in fact, integrated?