Interactive Q + A

Have you ever been at a conference or listening to a speaker when a questions pops into your head. You quickly jot down your thought in hopes that there will be questions at the end, or are too shy to ask your question anyway. Perhaps you've taken a class and had a question about something the instructor said. Again, you can either raise your hand in hopes of getting an answer or wait until later to ask your question. Either scenario is not ideal for student-centered learning and immediate feedback. Too often, people forget questions they have or are too embarrassed to ask their question in front of a large group.

Enter BACK CHANNELING, a web-based, interactive question and answer tool. Teachers, and presenters alike, are using back channels to provide participants an opportunity to ask their questions immediately and provide feedback in a more timely manner. Users of a back channel provide students or participants with an active web link to a "live" back channel that participants can use to ask and answer questions during class or a presentation.

Back Channeling has provided a useful tool for many teachers to allow students a forum to jot questions to a teacher with a bit of anonymity. Teachers can then take a few moments to answer those questions, or other students in class can answer as well. Most back channels remain active for two weeks, also allowing participants to go back and review questions and answers.

Similarly, presenters are using back channels as a way for participants to ask questions immediately. Usually done in a team, presenters open their back channel while presenting. Participants ask their questions, and one member of the presentation team answers questions while they come in. Also, participants can interact with others at the presentation to help answer questions as well.

I've provided links and details for two of the more popular back channel providers. Don't be afraid to step out on a limb and use a back channel to interact with your students or audience.

Today's Meet - Click Here

TodaysMeet helps you embrace the backchannel and connect with your audience in realtime.
Encourage the room to use the live stream to make comments, ask questions, and use that feedback to tailor your presentation, sharpen your points, and address audience needs.
Users enter name and question as questions follow  a linear format.

Padlet (Formerly Wall Wisher) - Click Here
Padlet claims to be the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world.
Users "paste" questions on virtual post-it notes for others to see and respond.