It's really interesting how when you begin to explore something new that related resources seem to find their way to your door. Just this morning I received a link to this blog about group texting applications: http://www.frogloop.com/care2blog/2011/4/25/group-texting-useful-or-hype.html and LaDonna Coy shared wifitti with me. I haven't had a chance to explore these tools...if folks have recommendations or are willing to share their experiences with any of the tools, I'm eager to learn from you!
Susan Stewart
Posts made by Susan Stewart
Sorry for the delayed response, Lynn. I've been "out of pocket" with limited internet access.
I really like the idea of back-channel conversations and intentionally bringing those to the forefront because such good thinking happens in the subtext. My dilemma at this point in time is that most of those I am working with are limited social media users. They use email, probably text a bit, and might be on Facebook, but those are the outer limits. My desire is to start where they are and build a bridge for using the familiar tools in new ways that increases participation (both "out-loud" and observational) of those in the small face-to-face groups who do not have a computer in front of them.
Does anyone know of any text aggregators that would bring all text messages sent to a certain number into one location...like a twitterfeed...that could be accessed by all of those on computers so they could be projected for all the individuals in the small groups to see? Or other ideas for how to create, capture, and share back channel conversations using simple cell phones (not smart phones)?
I really like the idea of back-channel conversations and intentionally bringing those to the forefront because such good thinking happens in the subtext. My dilemma at this point in time is that most of those I am working with are limited social media users. They use email, probably text a bit, and might be on Facebook, but those are the outer limits. My desire is to start where they are and build a bridge for using the familiar tools in new ways that increases participation (both "out-loud" and observational) of those in the small face-to-face groups who do not have a computer in front of them.
Does anyone know of any text aggregators that would bring all text messages sent to a certain number into one location...like a twitterfeed...that could be accessed by all of those on computers so they could be projected for all the individuals in the small groups to see? Or other ideas for how to create, capture, and share back channel conversations using simple cell phones (not smart phones)?
Sylvia, another colleague (LaDonna Coy), and I are thinking together about a situation that we each have experienced hosting online meetings and events using a variety of technologies where we often have one of two situations.
We are thinking about designing for participation in these instances and especially participation where we can harvest learning beyond just the surface or engaging these small groups via more than only the individual at the keyboard. (We have tapped into the power and potential of the small groups doing some work and then sharing back their thoughts with the larger group.)
One thing that we have talked about is how we might incorporate mobile technology so that everyone can contribute...not just the person in control of the keyboard. (For example, could we integrate something like a twitter feed into a platform like Elluminate?) We'd love to get your ideas on how to ensure that everyone who wants to actively participate in the dialogue is able to do so without the necessity of having one computer per person.
What have you done? What has worked well? What has potential?
What can you *imagine* could be done?
- We are connected to sites with small groups of people around an LCD projector/screen or computer with a speakerphone or microphone and where we want to engage, facilitate and harvest learnings from small groups.
- Other times we are connected to sites as described in number one above but also have individuals joining the session as well ... where they are sitting at a computer with a keyboard and mic/audio ... creating a mix of both small groups and individuals.
We are thinking about designing for participation in these instances and especially participation where we can harvest learning beyond just the surface or engaging these small groups via more than only the individual at the keyboard. (We have tapped into the power and potential of the small groups doing some work and then sharing back their thoughts with the larger group.)
One thing that we have talked about is how we might incorporate mobile technology so that everyone can contribute...not just the person in control of the keyboard. (For example, could we integrate something like a twitter feed into a platform like Elluminate?) We'd love to get your ideas on how to ensure that everyone who wants to actively participate in the dialogue is able to do so without the necessity of having one computer per person.
What have you done? What has worked well? What has potential?
What can you *imagine* could be done?
Thanks, Nellie...I will reply to you directly for more details. :)
Thanks for the added detail, Nick...I do think it would be interesting to see how an "exchange based primarily on graphical representations of communication with text as a secondary mode" would play out. I know we have some folks here who have done graphic facilitation with face-to-face groups using 2 or more languages. I wonder if they have done any of that work online...and if so, how adding co-creation of a visualization enhanced or hindered the experience. (Nancy White...might you have some experiences to add here?)
It might be useful to find out how each of us "visualizes" ;) the phrase "graphic representation". You referenced pie charts...I typically think of something that is more pictorial in nature or includes a mix of pictures and text. I imagine that tools like pie charts are possibly more translatable across cultural contexts whereas pictures have the potential to create misunderstanding as well as increase shared understanding...a key factor being sensitivity to color/social/visual languages of the cultures involved.
It might be useful to find out how each of us "visualizes" ;) the phrase "graphic representation". You referenced pie charts...I typically think of something that is more pictorial in nature or includes a mix of pictures and text. I imagine that tools like pie charts are possibly more translatable across cultural contexts whereas pictures have the potential to create misunderstanding as well as increase shared understanding...a key factor being sensitivity to color/social/visual languages of the cultures involved.