Blog #4 IM

Blog 4
Kadirire, James. "Instant Messaging for Creating Interactive and Collaborative M-Learning Environments" The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning [Online], v8¸9 Jun 2007. Web 31, May 2010.

Although instant messaging (IM) has been around since before the Internet, it has taken on new meaning in the distance learning environment. At the center of this discussion is the fact that faculty need to rethink how they teach so that they can help students, who have not been allowed to use technology in the classroom in high school, learn to learn using the tools they have at their finger tips.

In this article, Kadirire explained the nuts and bolts of mobile learning (m-learning) and argued that IM, “reduces the formality of the learning experience, helps engage reluctant learners and raises their self-confidence, encourages students to become more engaged with material outside the classroom, and helps students communicate better among themselves” (1,2).

First, Kadirire explained the system design: user identity, user profile, directory, presence awareness, instant messages, asynchronous chat, message size, ease of use, multi-user chat, and security, and then he looked at content adaption: informational content, cost, design metrics, and relevance.

Next, Kadirire looked at different types of mobile devices to see how fast the page downloaded, how easy it was to navigate, and how easy or difficult it was to type the message into the message window. He concluded that there are many factors to consider when using mobile devices such as the screen resolution, colors used, stylus, software, and the web browsers. The advantage to IM is that it is inexpensive (free with an Internet connection), and “learners are able to expand their linguistic competence outside the traditional face-to-face environment” (11).

Knowing as much as I can about the technology I plan to use in an online writing class is very important. I think students should be exposed to the information in this article, the history of IM, how it works, and the definition of m-learning. Just like any tool, using IM in an online writing class requires research, pre-planning, and patience.

Speaking of patience, one thing Kadirire fails to mention is that sending a text message to a friend is very different from chatting with a classmate in a virtual classroom. It takes time to build confidence with writing and this type of on-demand writing can be very intimidating.
On the other hand, I think students need to be pushed beyond their comfort zones. In the work place they will be called upon to articulate thoughts on-demand (often in writing) and IM devices give them real world practice.

I agree with the author that having the IM experience in a classroom gives students confidence especially when it come to composing the more formal writing projects later.

In addition, I recommend using IM for the teaching of writing because students have the technology at their fingertips and it provides a vehicle for students to develop critical thinking skills and practice impromptu writing.