Rationale: Why use Slack for
In terms of scope for this section, while Slack can be used for a variety of schools including K-12 and Higher Education, I have chosen to focus on Slack's application in higher education and adult learning environments as this is an area which I'm familiar with and teach in.
It's no secret that the shift to online learning has caught many educators and schools off guard. From the perspective of manpower, resources and technological support, these are all valid considerations to think about when your school needs to delivering classes off campus. As for challenges involved, research associated with the distance learning realm states that there are different environments concerns with a variety of characteristics attached. With more variables in play, remote learning can be quite challenging if the educator is not prepared. (Moore, Dickson-Deane & Galyen 2011).
While existing LMS platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classrooms and Moodle have proven to be reliable, it's also important to look ahead and reflect whether these current methods are engaging and effective. This is where emerging tools such as Slack demonstrate their potential in redefining online learning experiences. Compared to the usual learning management platforms we use in our curriculum, there are certain advantages to using Slack as a medium of instruction. As online learning has increased in popularity and usage due to Covid-19, Slack’s approach is simple: keep your school running with Slack. Educators can effectively organize all of their resources and communication in one place while Slack keeps students engaged and connected even though everyone is remotely away from the classroom.
As of 2021, more than 3000 colleges and Universities were reported to be using either the free or paid version of Slack to help facilitate long distance learning. That is approximately equivalent to 1.2 million users in the education sector. (Slack 2020)
Examples of higher education institutes and Universities which currently use Slack in their curriculum include:
Arizona State University (ASU), University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Dartmouth College, Oregon State University, University of British Columbia, University of Southern California, Yale
While existing LMS platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classrooms and Moodle have proven to be reliable, it's also important to look ahead and reflect whether these current methods are engaging and effective. This is where emerging tools such as Slack demonstrate their potential in redefining online learning experiences. Compared to the usual learning management platforms we use in our curriculum, there are certain advantages to using Slack as a medium of instruction. As online learning has increased in popularity and usage due to Covid-19, Slack’s approach is simple: keep your school running with Slack. Educators can effectively organize all of their resources and communication in one place while Slack keeps students engaged and connected even though everyone is remotely away from the classroom.
As of 2021, more than 3000 colleges and Universities were reported to be using either the free or paid version of Slack to help facilitate long distance learning. That is approximately equivalent to 1.2 million users in the education sector. (Slack 2020)
Examples of higher education institutes and Universities which currently use Slack in their curriculum include:
Arizona State University (ASU), University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Dartmouth College, Oregon State University, University of British Columbia, University of Southern California, Yale
- Bring distance learning closer: Students from around the world can ask questions and stay informed with course based channels. Professors can keep the conversation going with virtual lectures and online office hours. Time zones are no longer an issue!
- There is market demand for Educational Technology: This one seems surprising but one of the most important aspects of a venture of business is whether there is demand for.a particular service or product. Lots of research and commentary have indicated that Educational Technology is poised to become of the fastest growing industries in the coming years with considerable investments being made across a spectrum of Ed.Tech related ventures (HolonIQ 2021)
- Share instant updates and announcements: No more missing out on due dates and important announcements. Slack helps students, teachers and administrators stay organized and share information more efficiently. Students won’t need to search for important emails or rely on text messages to get the news they need.
- Enables Scaffolding and Better Learning support: As Slack is designed to be an instant communication based platform, students can assist their learning by having continuous access to the teacher for course support while connecting to peers and classmates to exchange support tips. Learning becomes more inclusive under Slack.
- Keep more than just classes up and running: Students can stay active by forming their own communities within private channels used for interest clubs, extra curricular discussions, mentoring, student councils and more
- Growing Active user base: Currently over 3,000 higher education institutions use Slack for teaching. This approximately totals to 1.2 million active users using Slack to keep classes and campus affairs running online
- In Depth Data Analysis: Slack (both free and paid versions) includes a detailed dashboard where course administrators and educators can view important information such as number of messages posted (student engagement level), channel statistics, what messages participants enjoy reading and other useful information to gauge content interest for classes.
- Highly Customizable and Scales to different course needs: One advantage Slack has is the massive library of plugins which the administrator can choose from depending on the workspace or course. From basic everyday apps such as Zoom and Dropbox, Slack also supports useful educational tools such as Miro, Evernote and Notion. Compared to traditional LMS platforms, Slack is more flexible and diverse.
Chart from: Medium. https://medium.com/@dubinskybrie/using-slack-for-education-9bf30f18d585
Case Study 1: Using Slack to build an empowering hub for students and forming connections
The Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley has built up a reputation for creating opportunities for students through the use of educational technology and supportive networks, such as the Career Management Group’s (CMG) technology career community. CMG is a student cohort dedicated to keeping others updated on developments within the tech industry and helps connects students who are interested in pursuing a tech career path with industry mentors.
As face to face meetings were not possible due to the pandemic, CMG utilized Slack as the department's centralized digital space where students could receive support, guidance and advice. New students are invited to join the CMG community on day one, allowing them to get the support they need right out of the gate even though they might be physically located away from campus.
Through Slack, students can form connections that works faster than email. Slack is also used for career mentoring as the CMG community uses it to help connect students with alumni, CMG staff, professional clubs and campus representatives. (Johnson 2020)
The Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley has built up a reputation for creating opportunities for students through the use of educational technology and supportive networks, such as the Career Management Group’s (CMG) technology career community. CMG is a student cohort dedicated to keeping others updated on developments within the tech industry and helps connects students who are interested in pursuing a tech career path with industry mentors.
As face to face meetings were not possible due to the pandemic, CMG utilized Slack as the department's centralized digital space where students could receive support, guidance and advice. New students are invited to join the CMG community on day one, allowing them to get the support they need right out of the gate even though they might be physically located away from campus.
Through Slack, students can form connections that works faster than email. Slack is also used for career mentoring as the CMG community uses it to help connect students with alumni, CMG staff, professional clubs and campus representatives. (Johnson 2020)
Takeaway for Case Study 1: Within Slack, Users can do the following:
Case Study 2: Breaking out of the inbox to support student engagement
During the pandemic, California State University (CSU) East Bay’s Department of Health Sciences faced a communication dilemma regarding the limitations surrounding email and its one-size-fits-all approach to messaging. The Department felt that this was not the best way to contact faculty staff and students across the department.
With email, information easily slips through the cracks and students weren’t always able to get the information they needed. Without an efficient platform, it was challenging for the department to foster collaboration among students and to develop their teamwork skills.
The pivot to Slack became an essential part of the department’s response plan to Covid-19 as classes were moved to an entirely online format. Faculty staff used dedicated channels to share strategies, tips and guidance on how to facilitate online classes. This form of efficient communication expedited the process for staff members becoming comfortable with online teaching.
“Slack was instrumental as we rapidly switched to online instruction and then closed physical offices entirely due to Covid-19,” says Jason Smith, associate professor and chair of CSU East Bay’s Department of Health Sciences. “In addition to supporting our day-to-day functions, it’s given us a place to interact with students and provide advice for staying healthy while working at home.” (Johnson 2020)
Key Takeaway:
The academic experience is largely shaped by students’ interactions with peers and faculty, both inside and outside the classroom. While, without a doubt, Covid-19 will affect the way campus communities connect, these stories demonstrate that the best parts of a university education can and will continue to thrive online through the use of Slack on both an educational and administrative level.
- Create channels for technology industry announcements, networking, clubs, events, internship opportunities, job postings and career resources
- Hold monthly alumni-led town hall style chats and ask me anything (AMAs) sessions
- Record down questions, replies and upvotes during AMAs
- Utilize the survey app to quickly gauge interest and feedback from students on upcoming events (Berkley Haas Alumni Network 2020)
Case Study 2: Breaking out of the inbox to support student engagement
During the pandemic, California State University (CSU) East Bay’s Department of Health Sciences faced a communication dilemma regarding the limitations surrounding email and its one-size-fits-all approach to messaging. The Department felt that this was not the best way to contact faculty staff and students across the department.
With email, information easily slips through the cracks and students weren’t always able to get the information they needed. Without an efficient platform, it was challenging for the department to foster collaboration among students and to develop their teamwork skills.
The pivot to Slack became an essential part of the department’s response plan to Covid-19 as classes were moved to an entirely online format. Faculty staff used dedicated channels to share strategies, tips and guidance on how to facilitate online classes. This form of efficient communication expedited the process for staff members becoming comfortable with online teaching.
“Slack was instrumental as we rapidly switched to online instruction and then closed physical offices entirely due to Covid-19,” says Jason Smith, associate professor and chair of CSU East Bay’s Department of Health Sciences. “In addition to supporting our day-to-day functions, it’s given us a place to interact with students and provide advice for staying healthy while working at home.” (Johnson 2020)
Key Takeaway:
The academic experience is largely shaped by students’ interactions with peers and faculty, both inside and outside the classroom. While, without a doubt, Covid-19 will affect the way campus communities connect, these stories demonstrate that the best parts of a university education can and will continue to thrive online through the use of Slack on both an educational and administrative level.