Unit IV

One of our jobs as teachers is to decide which tools are better for which educational purposes. To do that we need to be clear about the properties of our tools -- what they afford and constrain us from doing. That is, what does the tool let us do that we couldn't do without it; and what does it prevent us from doing that we could do without it.

So, to start, let's think about and suggest some affordances and constraints of a couple of communication tools: instant messaging, email, blogs, and discussion boards like this one. Anyone who has thoughts about any of them, please describe some properties of any of them.

Instant messaging
This tool encourages students who might be reluctant to speak out in class to participate in discussions in a way that is comfortable for them. Culture often prevents students from contributing to group response exercises or from speaking out when not specifically called upon to answer.

Teachers can also provide small bits of feedback to a student in a private way, without drawing the attention of the whole class.

Instant messaging between teacher and student and students with each other, helps to equalize cross-cultural classes. These are things that the tool affords that would not be equally accomplished without the tool.