Comments on: Multi-tasking and the Backchannel: Powerful learning or more noise http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/ I'm here to learn, join me Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:08:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Librarian by Day » Why I’m over people twittering conferences, meetings http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-31818 Librarian by Day » Why I’m over people twittering conferences, meetings Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:28:05 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-31818 [...] not contributing.  Yes, I know there are a few cases where some awesome back channel conversations* happen, and someone rushes off to write an article or a post about it, but most likely [...] [...] not contributing.  Yes, I know there are a few cases where some awesome back channel conversations* happen, and someone rushes off to write an article or a post about it, but most likely [...]

]]> By: Guest Post: 7 Ways to Use Twitter to Engage Your Audience | Chris Spagnuolo's EdgeHopper http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-31230 Guest Post: 7 Ways to Use Twitter to Engage Your Audience | Chris Spagnuolo's EdgeHopper Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:18:16 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-31230 [...] that’s Twitter. Many presenters are scared of presenting while people are twittering. But as Dean Shareski says: The more I’m allowed to interact and play with the content the more engaged and [...] [...] that’s Twitter. Many presenters are scared of presenting while people are twittering. But as Dean Shareski says: The more I’m allowed to interact and play with the content the more engaged and [...]

]]> By: Tami http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29710 Tami Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:12:55 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29710 As someone who is new to backchanneling, I think that it has the potential to be both engaging and distracting (as has been posted by others as well). I too think that it is hard to make over-arching comments about what works and what doesn't since the nature of learning is individual and a person's ability to engage in multiple tasks varies. I do believe that backchanneling is somewhat of a skill that needs to be learned and developed. I know that there are times when I need to focus on the speaker and other times I am able to navigate both. I think backchanneling can be a positive experience and can elevated understanding and discourse. As someone who is new to backchanneling, I think that it has the potential to be both engaging and distracting (as has been posted by others as well). I too think that it is hard to make over-arching comments about what works and what doesn’t since the nature of learning is individual and a person’s ability to engage in multiple tasks varies. I do believe that backchanneling is somewhat of a skill that needs to be learned and developed. I know that there are times when I need to focus on the speaker and other times I am able to navigate both. I think backchanneling can be a positive experience and can elevated understanding and discourse.

]]> By: Nicole L. http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29656 Nicole L. Thu, 29 May 2008 02:20:37 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29656 My ECMP 355 class with you, Dean Shareski, last semester was really the first time I even realized that a backchannel could exist. I liked what Ann had to say about there being a learning curve; it took our class awhile to get past using our backchannel conversations to say that we were just kicked out of the program we were conversing on (Elluminate), and to compare what each of us was snacking on at home during the online course. However, we did improve. Eventually, the backchannel was what made the difference between our taking the course, and processing the information this course gave us. Thanks again, Dean, for that learning experience. Nicole L.s last blog post..<a href="http://nicolelittle.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/coping-with-stress/" rel="nofollow">Coping with Stress</a> My ECMP 355 class with you, Dean Shareski, last semester was really the first time I even realized that a backchannel could exist. I liked what Ann had to say about there being a learning curve; it took our class awhile to get past using our backchannel conversations to say that we were just kicked out of the program we were conversing on (Elluminate), and to compare what each of us was snacking on at home during the online course. However, we did improve. Eventually, the backchannel was what made the difference between our taking the course, and processing the information this course gave us.

Thanks again, Dean, for that learning experience.

Nicole L.s last blog post..Coping with Stress

]]> By: Steve Ransom http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29648 Steve Ransom Tue, 27 May 2008 14:27:51 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29648 I think that learning contexts are so diverse that it is hard to make blanket statements here. But, I do think that backchanneling can certainly be a distraction. Intently listening to a speaker and processing what is being presented is a skill... one being lost and not talked about much anymore with the many distractions (or tools, depending on how you view and use them) available these days. However, when presenters are less than engaging, should we flee to other ways to occupy our minds or should we resist our desires to be entertained/multitask and be a good audience? This is a society of choice in every respect of the word. If we are not being engaged or think that we are not getting what we signed up for, we can often choose something else. This is great for the consumer. For the presenter, it raises new challenges. In the end, if multitasking impedes one's ability to attend and learn well and deeply, it is not a good thing. If it is creating a generation of learners who cannot focus, it is not a good thing. If our brains are adapting to new ways of learning and working, then as presenters, we had better adapt as well. I think that learning contexts are so diverse that it is hard to make blanket statements here. But, I do think that backchanneling can certainly be a distraction. Intently listening to a speaker and processing what is being presented is a skill… one being lost and not talked about much anymore with the many distractions (or tools, depending on how you view and use them) available these days. However, when presenters are less than engaging, should we flee to other ways to occupy our minds or should we resist our desires to be entertained/multitask and be a good audience? This is a society of choice in every respect of the word. If we are not being engaged or think that we are not getting what we signed up for, we can often choose something else. This is great for the consumer. For the presenter, it raises new challenges. In the end, if multitasking impedes one’s ability to attend and learn well and deeply, it is not a good thing. If it is creating a generation of learners who cannot focus, it is not a good thing. If our brains are adapting to new ways of learning and working, then as presenters, we had better adapt as well.

]]> By: screen room http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29644 screen room Tue, 27 May 2008 01:41:20 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29644 [...] presenter and message, BTW. At the end of the keynote, I had an entire page of handwritten notes, whttp://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-n...Remodeling may be answer for those who can't move The PantagraphNEW YORK -- With credit markets ever [...] [...] presenter and message, BTW. At the end of the keynote, I had an entire page of handwritten notes, whttp://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-n…Remodeling may be answer for those who can’t move The PantagraphNEW YORK — With credit markets ever [...]

]]> By: Ann Oro http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29643 Ann Oro Tue, 27 May 2008 01:36:27 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29643 Dean: I think there is a learning curve to participating in a backchannel. My first experiences were during webcasts. I found it very hard to concentrate on what was being said versus what was going on in the backchannel. As time goes on, I find myself being able to pay attention to the speaker while keeping on eye on the backchannel, asking questions, and adding my reflection. In early May, I was at a conference in Princeton and was asked to join in a live blogging session. I found I was trying very hard to accurately reflect what was being said in the room for those who were or would be reading along online. I often have best intentions of going back to review a presentation, but it seems that during the school year I rarely got back to archived material. There is an etiquette line we are straddling with a backchannel. Certainly the silly exchanges at your presentation could have rubbed other audience members the wrong way or given them a poor impression of the process. I know I am grateful when I hear about a presentation and I am invited to join remotely. Ann Ann Oros last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NjTechTeacherMusings/~3/297203353/confessions-of-oversubscribed-reader.html" rel="nofollow">Confessions of an Oversubscribed Reader</a> Dean:
I think there is a learning curve to participating in a backchannel. My first experiences were during webcasts. I found it very hard to concentrate on what was being said versus what was going on in the backchannel. As time goes on, I find myself being able to pay attention to the speaker while keeping on eye on the backchannel, asking questions, and adding my reflection. In early May, I was at a conference in Princeton and was asked to join in a live blogging session. I found I was trying very hard to accurately reflect what was being said in the room for those who were or would be reading along online. I often have best intentions of going back to review a presentation, but it seems that during the school year I rarely got back to archived material.

There is an etiquette line we are straddling with a backchannel. Certainly the silly exchanges at your presentation could have rubbed other audience members the wrong way or given them a poor impression of the process. I know I am grateful when I hear about a presentation and I am invited to join remotely.
Ann

Ann Oros last blog post..Confessions of an Oversubscribed Reader

]]> By: JackieB http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29642 JackieB Mon, 26 May 2008 22:52:41 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29642 As one who rarely gets to attend any conferences, I live vicariously through the backchannel. However, I know myself. I need time to myself to think and to reflect. If the idea(s) being presented are totally new to me, I need to focus. I need time to digest before I can start talking with others about the ideas being presented. Which is a good reminder to me to make sure to incorporate that time into my classes. Thank you! JackieBs last blog post..<a href="http://continuities.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/dimensional-fun/" rel="nofollow">Dimensional Fun</a> As one who rarely gets to attend any conferences, I live vicariously through the backchannel.

However, I know myself. I need time to myself to think and to reflect. If the idea(s) being presented are totally new to me, I need to focus. I need time to digest before I can start talking with others about the ideas being presented.

Which is a good reminder to me to make sure to incorporate that time into my classes. Thank you!

JackieBs last blog post..Dimensional Fun

]]> By: Dean Shareski http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29641 Dean Shareski Mon, 26 May 2008 21:36:38 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29641 ehelfant, The archiving of presentations is really powerful. While I'm sure most don't go back to review, I do go back to check points or review things I've missed. That's the mark of a great presentation. Heather, You're post seemed to be more about etiquette. I'm wondering also about being uncomfortable. Because I didn't feel uncomfortable is that bad? Did I miss something? Am I insensitive? (Don't answer those!) I think this is an evolving instructional strategy that is in its infancy. I like much of what it offers. As Chris Lott said in his post, <blockquote>The cognitive studies regarding multi-tasking aren’t as cut and dried nor as directly applicable as the supporters of said studies would like people to think....The bottom line is simple: facilitating engagement is not achieved by depriving participants of tools or materials… that’s an approach fit for prisons, not educators and educational institutions</blockquote> Actually his whole post is worth reading. ehelfant,

The archiving of presentations is really powerful. While I’m sure most don’t go back to review, I do go back to check points or review things I’ve missed. That’s the mark of a great presentation.

Heather,
You’re post seemed to be more about etiquette. I’m wondering also about being uncomfortable. Because I didn’t feel uncomfortable is that bad? Did I miss something? Am I insensitive? (Don’t answer those!) I think this is an evolving instructional strategy that is in its infancy. I like much of what it offers. As Chris Lott said in his post,

The cognitive studies regarding multi-tasking aren’t as cut and dried nor as directly applicable as the supporters of said studies would like people to think….The bottom line is simple: facilitating engagement is not achieved by depriving participants of tools or materials… that’s an approach fit for prisons, not educators and educational institutions

Actually his whole post is worth reading.

]]> By: Heather Ross http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29640 Heather Ross Mon, 26 May 2008 21:12:24 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29640 Dean, I blogged about backchanneling in the days before the TLt conference even started (Back Channels May Add, but They Also Subtract - http://www.mctoonish.com/blog/?p=444). When Stephen started his talk I wondered if he had read my post. I was one of those who found the whole situation very uncomfortable. It seemed to prove my point that people can't pay attention to the speaker while observing or being an active participant of the back channel (and read e-mail, follow Twitter, blog, read their RSS feeds, etc.). I did catch myself at one point during a different talk, however, jotting a note down to Rob Wall and passing it to him across the table. That might be considered a form of back channeling as well. Heather Rosss last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/mctoonish/OdMp/~3/296712813/" rel="nofollow">SCoPE Seminar: Viral Professional Development</a> Dean, I blogged about backchanneling in the days before the TLt conference even started (Back Channels May Add, but They Also Subtract – http://www.mctoonish.com/blog/?p=444). When Stephen started his talk I wondered if he had read my post. I was one of those who found the whole situation very uncomfortable. It seemed to prove my point that people can’t pay attention to the speaker while observing or being an active participant of the back channel (and read e-mail, follow Twitter, blog, read their RSS feeds, etc.).

I did catch myself at one point during a different talk, however, jotting a note down to Rob Wall and passing it to him across the table. That might be considered a form of back channeling as well.

Heather Rosss last blog post..SCoPE Seminar: Viral Professional Development

]]> By: Chris Lott http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29638 Chris Lott Mon, 26 May 2008 18:38:14 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29638 I don't know if my comment got deleted or moderated, but just in case-- I've been discussing this a bit on my blog as well, from a slightly different perspective: http://www.chrislott.org/2008/05/22/understanding-the-backchannel/ I don’t know if my comment got deleted or moderated, but just in case– I’ve been discussing this a bit on my blog as well, from a slightly different perspective:

http://www.chrislott.org/2008/05/22/understanding-the-backchannel/

]]> By: ehelfant http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29637 ehelfant Mon, 26 May 2008 18:27:33 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29637 I have ofter found I learn as much from the backchannel as the presentation. I have also found that it sometimes makes me miss pieces of the presentation. Fortunately, I can usually view an archived session if I think I missed something important. I also think its great if the presentation is viewable in advance. I too get more out of the content if I can be interactive and push/expand my thoughts by asking my smarter peers questions. I just viewed this presentation this morning. The middle part of this presentation states that we can't multitask - http://www.slideshare.net/garr/brain-rules-for-presenters . My first reaction was not to share it as my resisting faculty will say that the points it makes about multi-tasking makes their case that giving kids tablets is giving them a distraction. However, the entire presentation is pretty interesting. I like the 10 minute rule- our attention lasts for ten minutes and if there isn't a catch at ten minutes we start to lose attention - Is that when the backchanneling on silly stuff starts? Ultmately I'll share it the slideshare with the faulty and will point to their responsibility to engage their students. I do believe that backchannel discussion can be a tool of engagement...and we will have control to limit the distractions by using the DyKnow environment. Been thinking that DyKnow chat and lecture could be a way of teaching best practices in backchannel conversation- there's a new chapter for Marzano to write:) Bottom line, if I want/need to learn about a topic, the presentation is one tool and it can be made richer with conversation produced via backchannel...but the backchannel might mean everyone walks away from the same presentation with different take aways..and that is OK. I do agree that it helps if the channel conversation is on topic. Sorry to ramble - been thinking about if/how to use this productively with students and your post made me think more! Thanks! I have ofter found I learn as much from the backchannel as the presentation. I have also found that it sometimes makes me miss pieces of the presentation. Fortunately, I can usually view an archived session if I think I missed something important. I also think its great if the presentation is viewable in advance. I too get more out of the content if I can be interactive and push/expand my thoughts by asking my smarter peers questions.

I just viewed this presentation this morning. The middle part of this presentation states that we can’t multitask – http://www.slideshare.net/garr/brain-rules-for-presenters . My first reaction was not to share it as my resisting faculty will say that the points it makes about multi-tasking makes their case that giving kids tablets is giving them a distraction. However, the entire presentation is pretty interesting. I like the 10 minute rule- our attention lasts for ten minutes and if there isn’t a catch at ten minutes we start to lose attention – Is that when the backchanneling on silly stuff starts? Ultmately I’ll share it the slideshare with the faulty and will point to their responsibility to engage their students. I do believe that backchannel discussion can be a tool of engagement…and we will have control to limit the distractions by using the DyKnow environment. Been thinking that DyKnow chat and lecture could be a way of teaching best practices in backchannel conversation- there’s a new chapter for Marzano to write:)
Bottom line, if I want/need to learn about a topic, the presentation is one tool and it can be made richer with conversation produced via backchannel…but the backchannel might mean everyone walks away from the same presentation with different take aways..and that is OK. I do agree that it helps if the channel conversation is on topic. Sorry to ramble – been thinking about if/how to use this productively with students and your post made me think more! Thanks!

]]> By: Chris Lott http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29635 Chris Lott Mon, 26 May 2008 17:51:58 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29635 I recently talked about this issue from a slightly different perspective... http://www.chrislott.org/2008/05/22/understanding-the-backchannel/ Chris Lotts last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Ruminate/rss/~3/297629666/" rel="nofollow">Twitter Asides 2008-05-24</a> I recently talked about this issue from a slightly different perspective… http://www.chrislott.org/2008/05/22/understanding-the-backchannel/

Chris Lotts last blog post..Twitter Asides 2008-05-24

]]> By: Lisa Parisi http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/05/26/multi-tasking-and-the-backchannel-powerful-learning-or-more-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-29634 Lisa Parisi Mon, 26 May 2008 17:47:29 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/?p=645#comment-29634 You pose an interesting question in your title: Is back-channel more learning or just noise? I think it depends on the user. Some people have no difficulty focusing on a speaker and chatting about it at the same time. Others cannot do both and must choose one or the other. I, myself, find that back-channel chatter is good if the comments are on the same topic as the speech itself. It is when the comments take a different path that I find I cannot focus on both. Then I feel bad for not paying attention to the speaker. And when I am the presenter, I still find my "teacher hackles" go up when I am speaking to the tops of peoples' heads while they focus on their computers. I can't read the audience that way. But that's just my view. Lisa Parisis last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LisasLingo/~3/297768915/successful-inclusion-program.html" rel="nofollow">The Successful Inclusion Program</a> You pose an interesting question in your title: Is back-channel more learning or just noise? I think it depends on the user. Some people have no difficulty focusing on a speaker and chatting about it at the same time. Others cannot do both and must choose one or the other. I, myself, find that back-channel chatter is good if the comments are on the same topic as the speech itself. It is when the comments take a different path that I find I cannot focus on both. Then I feel bad for not paying attention to the speaker. And when I am the presenter, I still find my “teacher hackles” go up when I am speaking to the tops of peoples’ heads while they focus on their computers. I can’t read the audience that way. But that’s just my view.

Lisa Parisis last blog post..The Successful Inclusion Program

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