Slack is a communication and task management tool. Users can create specialized messaging groups, or “channels,” according to different projects, teams, and organizations. What makes it different from other communication tools is that it is specifically created for work and collaboration. Files that are up to 1GB can be sent and searched within a channel, which makes file management easy. Slack also allows users to integrate over 1,500 apps and services into the chat, so that they can work without having to switch tabs and accounts. Functions like video chatting and screen sharing make it ideal for teamwork. Bringing Slack into the classroom can increase communication and collaboration, facilitate project management, and allow students to learn how to use a tool that is popular in many workplaces today.
Price | Basic version: Free; $6-13/month for advanced features |
---|---|
Learning | Connectivism, Social Constructivism |
Ease of Use | ★★★☆☆ |
Privacy | ★★☆☆☆ |
Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ |
Class Size | Unlimited |
Login | Yes |
ISTE*S | Empowered Learner, Creative Communicator, Global Collaborator |
COPPA/ FERPA | COPPA is irrelevant, because of the age restriction. FERPA is mentioned in the Terms of Service. |
Dr. Ruben Puentedura’s SAMR model offers a lens for examining how technology is adopted in a classroom. As you strive to incorporate online tools into your classroom, we encourage you to use this model as an analytic tool.
Follow these steps to get started on Slack:
Phillips, A. L., Edwards, S., Parmesar, K., Soltan, M., & Guckian, J. (2021). Slack as a virtual undergraduate dermatology community: a pilot study. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 46(6), 1028-1037.
Tuhkala, A., & Kärkkäinen, T. (2018). Using Slack for computer-mediated communication to support higher education students’ peer interactions during Master’s thesis seminar. Education and Information Technologies, 23(6), 2379-2397.
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