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Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology

Communication Tools

Potential communication tools to help you continue teaching

ISU Supported Programs

Blackboard
Blackboard offers a variety of communication tools: Discussion Boards, Announcements, Chats, Whiteboard and Mail. We have created an emergency course template to help those who have never used Blackboard quickly learn the program to continue teaching. Contact CTLT at 438-2542 or teachtech@ilstu.edu.
ISU Blog
All ISU faculty, staff and students now have Blog space on ISU server. It's fairly easy to use to make announcements, create commentaries and exchange ideas with students. Click here for more information.
WebBoard
WebBoard is an online discussion board (also known as a forum) where you can share content and host class discussions. Click here for more information.
Listserv
Listserv is a program that sends out e-mail messages to the subscribers. You can set up a class listserv for your classroom. When you send a message to listserv address, your students automatically receive it in their e-mail. Students can also reply to everyone on the list by sending a message to the listserv. Click here for more information on how to set up a listserv at ISU.
Second Life
Second Life is a virtual reality environment where people interact with each other through avatars. ISU now has own island on Second Life where you can use virtual classroom, office space and lecture hall spaces. Click here for more information.

Third-party Vendor Programs

Facebook
If you already use Facebook with your friends and family, it’s easy to use it for class purposes. Facebook is very popular program among college students so they should already have accounts. Create a group in Facebook, have them join the group, and you’re ready to make announcement, conduct discussion, distribute files etc. Group members cannot see your profile (or you can’t see their profiles) unless you decide otherwise.
Skype
Skype is a free web conferencing and phone program. You can have up to 25 people in Skype video or audio conference calls. ISU does not provide support for this product at the moment, so students need access to a personal computer (students can’t install this program on public computers). Click here for a quick start guide from CTLT.