Twitter discussions are different from BlackBoard discussions as well as a class room discussions because you are limited to how much you can say whereas in class and on BlackBoard you have space to say more and the ability to express yourself in as many or as little words as you feel comfortable with. This could be looked at in two ways it could be looked at as a restraint or as a way for students and people to get strait to the point. Forcing one to a limited number of characters also force them to get their ideas out simpler and get the most important feelings out for them. A class room discussion is the most personal because you can visually see the expressions of those you are engaging with and have a more engaging experience. This allows you to watch the non verbal communications that are a huge part of communicating with others. It is sometimes difficult to gage what someones tone is through just reading their comments and thoughts. The compassion can come off as as being obsessed, the humor can off as offensive, and many other intentions can be misconstrued. When it comes to BlackBoard discussions it is a great way to participate i conversations with classmates and even professors. It allows creative and discussions based on a common interest- the class the students are participating in. It is helpful for students to help other students with confusing matters of the class and get others perspective on the same topic. It serves as a live discussions and an archive of discussions about one topic or about several sub-topics of a overall general topic.
I personally think in-class discussions are more fulfilling but feel that BlackBoard discussions allow for a more thought provoking discussion as you have time to let the thoughts marinate before you respond and make a comment based on what you think after research or reexamining the topic. In order I like in-class discussions, BlackBoard discussions, and then Twitter as a way to communicate for educational purposes.
10 years ago
Like you, my favorite medium for an academic discussion would be an in class discussion. Personally, I really like using BlackBoard for discussion as well. For me, speaking comes more naturally and I think I can articulate myself more completely, but writing is a skill that I want to develop. BlackBoard discussions force me to write a lot and try to express myself through words on a weekly basis. I have been told that simply writing in great volume and making a conscious effort to reread one’s own writing will greatly improve overall writing ability over time. I like to reread my own writing just to make sure that people will read and interpret it as I intend for it to sound.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned the fact that tone is difficult to communicate through writing compared to speaking and I definitely think that is the case for most people. Even so, I think it is still possible to effectively make tone a part of one’s writing. I feel that writing can be more than just the some of the words that make up a piece. Through time, talented writers have successfully captured emotions in their writing and the reputations of many writers have lasted for many years based on their ability to do this effectively. If it is possible for others, then it should be possible for me as well.