Instructors' experiences of web based synchronous communication using two way audio and direct messaging

Abstract

This paper reports on an exploratory case study designed to gain insight into instructors' experiences with web based synchronous communication using two way audio and direct messaging. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight instructors who used Elluminate Live in their web based, asynchronous courses in Education, Nursing, and Social Work at a Canadian university during the Winter 2004-05. We grouped the findings into two categories. The first category relates to use of text based communication or direct messaging (DM). We subdivided this category as follows: trouble shooting versus teaching; and public versus private conversations. The second category relates to use of voice based communication or audio conferencing (two way audio) subdivided into four sub-categories as follows: talkers versus listeners; patience versus prompting; whole group versus breakout groups; and two way versus one way communication. Use of text based messaging and two way audio raised issues of the need to divide one's attention and to promote student-student interaction. Implications for research and practice are presented.