Article 10

Instant Messaging in On-Site and Online Classes in Higher Education

Jeong, Wooseob (2007). Instant Messaging in On-Site and Online Classes in Higher Education. Volume 30, Number 1, EQ Archives. Retrieved on 14th Mar, 2009 from
http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/InstantMessaginginOnSitea/40014

SUMMARY

Similar studies on IM usage in classes, the author agreed that IM might be useful while at the same time there are obstacles. IM could be use for emergency communication needs. Students also find it easier to communicate, felt a stronger sense of community, and had more venues for informal and social communication about class material, the school and their common degree program. With such, the author conducted a study to identify the IM technology's potential, its obstacles and its ideal conditions to use. He found that students have highest satisfaction of using IM for distance learning on top of using it in classroom. The positive prospects of IM that he had found included encourage instant communication which is much more better than emails, expands the students' comfort zone as they might be shy to raise questions face-to-face, and facilitates flexible office hours. While on the negative side, there might be potential for miscommunication due to lack of verbal and visual cues, privacy and intrusiveness issues, and the availability of the instructor and the informality of the communication are still the concerns. The author also found that there were students who do not think that IM is useful due to lack of time and lack of accessibility.

QUESTION

The article brought up a critical issue which is the digital divide. Shouldn't this be considered as well before implementing the incorporation of IM in education?