Robert Farmer, Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
Robert.Farmer@msvu.ca
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Today’s students have grown up with the computer; in fact many, if not most, are younger than the first microcomputer. Students are more technology literate and Internet savvy than ever, and they use technology in ways that weren’t even thought of a decade ago. What impact does this have on educators today and for the future?
This paper begins by highlighting select current literature in the area of students’ knowledge of communication technology with a focus on instant messaging. Instant messaging usages today and proposed future usages are looked at. While today’s younger generation has adopted it with a frenzy, it appears that the corporate enterprise will be the next big player in the instant messaging arena. Corporate enterprise level (secure) instant messaging usages are discussed and several enterprise level software packages are identified. The advantages and disadvantages of both public and secure instant messaging are discussed.
A review of results from a student survey on technology usage and an in-class instant messaging trial are presented. In the student survey on technology usage, students rated their use of four technologies; email, browser, discussion forums, and instant messaging. The in-class instant messaging trail usage statistics were captured using an enterprise level (secure) instant messaging software.
In conclusion, this paper reviews some of the good, the bad, and the ugly about instant messaging and some of the benefits and drawbacks of instant messaging in educational settings.
http://naweb.unb.ca/proceedings/2003/PaperFarmer.html