Critical and Creative Thinking
There are some ways that critical and creative thinking can be encouraged by the use of IM.
One of the high points of Instant Messaging is that users can, unlike using the telephone, signal their availability for conversations. These leads to better communication since the sender of the Instant Message knows that the receiver can either accept or ignore his IM. It has been shown that this type of interruption leads to better communication since it is less disruptive than either a phone call or a drop-in visit by a colleague. This allows for shorter, deeper conversations at times that are more convenient to the users. The ability to choose when to communicate allows users make critical thinking decisions when they under less pressure since use is determined by both parties and not by a drop-in or telephone conversation.
There are a number of ways it can be used to foster creative thinking in the classroom as well. In the classroom, Instant Messaging can be used to send short messages to students and students can send send each other their notes and conversations to enhance learning. We, in education, often believe that the top down classroom is the best and that students who are IM'ing with each other are not paying attention but it can be another way for students to gather a better understanding of the topic at hand. But the trend is now for the flipped classroom where students have already read the material, downloaded the notes and come to class ready to discuss the material rather than listen to a lecture. Instant Messaging can be used to encourage ongoing conversation both during the class and between students after class.
It is also useful at the reference desk since it meets students where they are. This point-of-need use allows students to continue with their studies without as much disruption as picking up a telephone or walking to the library.
One of the high points of Instant Messaging is that users can, unlike using the telephone, signal their availability for conversations. These leads to better communication since the sender of the Instant Message knows that the receiver can either accept or ignore his IM. It has been shown that this type of interruption leads to better communication since it is less disruptive than either a phone call or a drop-in visit by a colleague. This allows for shorter, deeper conversations at times that are more convenient to the users. The ability to choose when to communicate allows users make critical thinking decisions when they under less pressure since use is determined by both parties and not by a drop-in or telephone conversation.
There are a number of ways it can be used to foster creative thinking in the classroom as well. In the classroom, Instant Messaging can be used to send short messages to students and students can send send each other their notes and conversations to enhance learning. We, in education, often believe that the top down classroom is the best and that students who are IM'ing with each other are not paying attention but it can be another way for students to gather a better understanding of the topic at hand. But the trend is now for the flipped classroom where students have already read the material, downloaded the notes and come to class ready to discuss the material rather than listen to a lecture. Instant Messaging can be used to encourage ongoing conversation both during the class and between students after class.
It is also useful at the reference desk since it meets students where they are. This point-of-need use allows students to continue with their studies without as much disruption as picking up a telephone or walking to the library.