Week Four: Review of Instant Messaging

Article: Sotillo, S. M., Using Instant Messaging for Collaborative Learning: A Case Study, Innovate: Journal of Online Education, Feb/March 2006, Vol 2, Issue 3.

This article explores the use of the online tool of "instant messaging" for giving corrective feedback in teaching foreign languages. Advantages: 1.Corrective feedback through instant messaging can certainly enhance learning in a non-traditional way. 2. It can also encourage a sense of connectivity for students through informal collaboration. Disadvantages: 1. Students must be trained prior to the collaboration; must receive thorough training in the use of instant messaging. 2. Students must be trained how to save audio files, if that is required. 3. The process may breakdown, technologically speaking, and frustration with technology can negatively impact learning. 4. There may not be enough bandwidth for connecting to the Internet, causing more technological problems. 5. The scheduling of students to all use instant message at the same time could be a potential burden.