Using Instant Messaging in Education – Good or Bad?

Every single upper junior class that I have taught has loved instant messaging (IM). It is probably the most popular use of technology at home. But does that mean it needs to be used in the classroom? It falls into the same category as console gaming does and seems to spark differing reactions from people in education. I believe it can engage learners and much more.

I began the hashtag #IMinEDU to keep a record of a discussion on this topic that took place on Twitter. It revealed a range of views, some great resources and ideas. I have archived the conversation in a Google Doc because over time a hashtag Twitter search will disappear.

I have had a few experiences of the impact that IM can have on a lesson. When we began using Google Docs in our lessons we used the instant messaging function in Spreadsheets. I was able to post questions about the data we collected together – the children responded in the chat window. We repeated this recently and once again it was a great plenary to the lesson.

A further example is the use of the chat feature in a Google Presentation (In presentation/slideshow mode – “View Together”). I created a reading text and asked comprehension questions in the chat window – the children accessed the text for the answers and posted them in the chat. We have also done some peer review on a range of presentations using the chat – children posted comments and responses to work shared by others.

In my experience of using instant messaging I have discovered some common elements:

Engage, Engage, Engage – sometimes the children seem set to explode when they realise they are using IM in class. They are totally engaged with the tasks. They love using it.

Motivated – when asking a question in IM the children are really motivated to answer it, they all want to get their responses posted. They want to write – that can only be a good thing.

Inclusive – everyone can contribute at the same time. No-one misses out, everyone is involved. Responding in this way breaks the “hands-up” culture.

Behaviour – I don’t see any point in asking the children to behave completely differently when using IM in class. We can still say things like, “No smileys in the next answer,” or “I am watching your spelling for this one.” I think this flexible approach is better than saying, “You are never allowed to use smileys when we use IM in class!” That’s like asking them not to lick their lips when eating a sugar doughnut – it’s just what you do.

Teacher directed – in the examples I explained above I have been specific about the way we are using IM. It is not a free for all, it is carefully planned and directed. It is useful to have your questions typed up so you can paste them in the chat quickly.

There needs to be more examples of teachers using it and sharing their reflections, to get a fuller picture of its usefulness. I think it has a place and I hope that some ideas in this post or the Twitter discussion give you something to think about and perhaps try in your class.

How have you used instant messaging in the classroom? What is your opinion about the use of it in lessons, does it have a place?