The idea of using chat as a communication tool with students is widely accepted in education. Using the same tool to progress critical thinking is not often discussed. That is, the question might be asked, “Why use an online tool when I can discuss with my students face to face?”
The reality is often that, even in online or hybrid courses, the forum tool (asynchronous) is still used more widely for discussion and ideas sharing than the chat tool. Typical uses for chat include meeting with students to discuss their issues and problems with the course, providing quick and direct tutorial help, providing course information or announcements, or scheduling meetings or groupwork, etc. Therefore, the use of the tool to support the learning process administratively or in information sharing is accepted more widely than using the same tool for developing thinking skills and/or other academic work.
By Ruth Reynard
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