Instant messaging has become quite the popular way of communication these days. Hundreds of thousands of people communicate with one another through some sort of electronic device, whether it be through Facebook or through a cell phone. People use instant messaging as a way of getting a hold of people for social means, business, or even emergencies. The world of instant messaging has created a direct passage way for people to get a hold of one another, with quicker feedback and communication. If we apply this communication feature to the lives of students, it may play a big part in creating a successful learning environment.
Student-teacher communication is essential to student success. Students often have quick questions for teachers that can be quickly answered, but teachers aren’t always available to answer them. Students can now send a quick message to their teacher, receive instant feedback, and continue on their assignment. Similarly, students have a need to collaborate with peers and share ideas or questions. Student-to-student collaboration creates an environment in which students find themselves knowing material better from helping peers. Since students can’t always get a hold of one another face to face, instant messaging is a perfect solution. Students can get a hold of teachers, peers, or faculty at any place and any time. With iQ, students can:
• Share files, videos, images and links with students and teachers
• Create group messages in folders
• Message full pages
• Access real-time updates
• Use message pop-up windows
• Set status to online, away, do not disturb, invisible, or offline
• Edit messages, even after a message is sent
• Access full history of chat logs
With an integration of multi-media messaging, students can share a variety of assignments and resources with other students or faculty. Students also have access to old messages, in which they can review material discussed in the chat log. When students have access to these advanced features, they are immersed into an environment that more quickly and more effectively supports student learning.