1) Brief descriptions of the tools and links to their websites
- Scribblar (synchronous CMC tool)Scribblar is a multi-user whiteboard application that allows users to interact in real time.
Students can use it when they want to collaborate on certain project.
It also allows you to draw using simple drawing tools and you can add text, some images.
You can chat with team members through a text chat window.
It allows your team members to make changes on the whiteboard in real time.
You can see what it is just click here : http://www.scribblar.com
Voicethread is a web-based application that allows you to place images, documents, and presentation. It doesn't allow real time conversation. It provides an asynchronous conversation. Voicethread allows students to have conversations by making comments or uploading audio files. You can upload media from a location such as a website, Facebook, or your computer. Then, people can add comments by selecting the appropriate source button for microphone, webcam, or audio file.
You can have more information by clicking here : http://voicethread.com
The differences in how they could support are,
Synchronous tools can be used to make a class in real-time but different places. They can share informations directly in real time, so their work can be more productive. Synchronous collaboration, in general, is more interactive than asynchronous.
On the other hand, Asynchronous activities take place whenever learners have their time to compete them. For example, viewing videos linked to the course site, reading a textbook and writing a paper are all asynchronous activities. Learners can get the information when it's most convenient for them. So there is less pressure to act directly and immediately. Learners can have a time to think over the project.
I also can use the Asynchronous tools to have a journal reviewing class.
I can upload a certain journal and ask the class to share their opinions. They also interact each other by commenting other's view. These activities allow them for more in-depth research and sharing variety of perspectives.
2) Your thoughts about how the Synchronous CMC tool and the Asynchronous CMC tool could support learning and the development of language skills. Are there any similarities and differences in how they could support language learning?
I think that the Synchoronous and Asynchronous CMC tool can help the students to overcome the time and place limitation. By using this tools, students can work on homework problems together. Teachers can use this to help students with homework after school or on the weekend.The differences in how they could support are,
Synchronous tools can be used to make a class in real-time but different places. They can share informations directly in real time, so their work can be more productive. Synchronous collaboration, in general, is more interactive than asynchronous.
On the other hand, Asynchronous activities take place whenever learners have their time to compete them. For example, viewing videos linked to the course site, reading a textbook and writing a paper are all asynchronous activities. Learners can get the information when it's most convenient for them. So there is less pressure to act directly and immediately. Learners can have a time to think over the project.
3) Some of your ideas of possible activities and ways that the tools could be used in a language class to supplement in-class content and instruction.
I can use the Synchronous tools to create a debate class. I can design the class with people who have common interest and allow them to communicate in real time.I also can use the Asynchronous tools to have a journal reviewing class.
I can upload a certain journal and ask the class to share their opinions. They also interact each other by commenting other's view. These activities allow them for more in-depth research and sharing variety of perspectives.
