Classroom Backchannels Allow All Students to have a Voice and Venue to Share and Ask Questions

A backchannel is a, typically, online conversation, that occurs hand in hand or along side another activity.  It may occur as a conversation while students are watching a video in social studies.  It may be where students post their questions during a conversation or learning session in science.  It may be where students post their question or comments about a story they are reading.  It may be where the teacher poses a question and then watches the responses to see if the proper depth of learning has occurred.

In any case, it is a place where the extension of the discussion and questioning can occur. What is great about this is that a backchannel is not inhibited by time or speed.  If a student needs more time to think, they can take the time they need to process and think through their questions and then post them.  In a real time discussion, the speed is determined by the students and some students get left in the dust.  The other great benefit is that most backchannel tools create some sort of transcript file of the conversation.  To read more about the power of a backchannel in your classroom, read this article on eduTopia.  

Great tools to use for creating a classroom backchannel
Padlet 

How to use Padlet in the Classroom

Padlet Examples and Resources
Padlet:  Create a Virtual Wall and Engage your Students

Try out this sample Padlet

BackChannel Chat

Try out this sample Bachchannel Chat

Today's Meet

20 Useful Ways to Use Today's Meet in the Classroom

Try out this sample Today's Meet