Research



Research
Going into this project, I for one, had not used nor even thought much about back channels. I did not realize that there is synchronous as well as asynchronous backchannelling.

Topics Researched
 * synchronous back channel
 * asynchronous back channel
 * negative aspects with back channel
 * benefits of backchannelling
 * gender differences and back channelling
 * age differences and back channelling
 * hacking and the back channel
 * back channells for teaching/learning/education
 * distractions during back channel
 * backchannelling etiquette
 * journal articles on back channel



Findings
I wasn't too surprised to find that although back channel is a hot topic, the amount of information available was alot less that I was expecting. That what was out there seemed to be redundant information and centering primarily on synchronous backchannelling.

Concerns
Some concerns that I have with this type of technology include:
 * Using this method solely as social networking and not a learning/sharing tool
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Interrupting the flow of thought by lots of 'online chatter' during a presentation - not as true with asynchronous back channel; however, one could go off in unrelated directions if after the live presentation.