Integrating local and remote worlds through channel blending

Abstract

Recent advances in ubiquitous technology have greatly changed the way people stay connected. We conducted an in-depth video shadowing study to observe how close-knit groups use all the technology at their disposal to stay in touch and share their lives. We observed a pattern of related behaviors that we call channel blending, the integration of interactions and content over multiple channels into one coherent conversation, often including both local and remote participants. Channel blending is the opposite of multitasking in that it involves merging many lines of focus into one, rather than switching attention between them. We discuss ways technology could better support this emerging style of multichannel content-sharing and communication.

"Back and forth, back and forth"

“…Related to channel switching is the practice of channel blending. Isaacs and colleagues recently studied how channel blending, or the act of using multiple modes of communication at the same time, allows individuals to coordinate and share experiences [14]. While Isaacs et al's work did not focus on channel switching per se, the current work builds on their suggestion to "think about coherent social acts that may take place over time and across channels" (p. 626) rather than focus on acts of FtF and mediated communication in isolation.…”

Opportunities via extended networks for teens' informal learning

“…We see opportunities for innovation where elements of social support, validation, mentoring, and private interactions are combined with YouTube affordances (lively video demonstrations, approachability, repeatability, and access to expertise world-wide). Here Isaacs et al [20]'s channel blending study should also be consulted. 4.…”

Investigating incidence of common ground and alternative courses of action in an online forum

“…The solutions should not increase the burden of local governments, but to rethink activities that planning departments already engage in. Many departments use crowdsourcing mechanisms to stimulate citizen feedback and employ social media based outreach [3,7,14,27,31]. The proposed solutions intend to lower technology barriers for citizens and planners by encouraging more natural online interactions.…”

“…We recommend facilitation of deliberation through guided tools. Isaacs et al [14] observed that when small groups attempt to carry on synchronous interaction with local and remote participants, it generally involved one person playing the role of a "pivot person," integrating the contributions of local and remote participants. Since current newspaper forums do not support this configuration, facilitation requires targeted skill-training to avoid breakdowns in the natural conversation flow that occurs in current forums.…”

“…Since current newspaper forums do not support this configuration, facilitation requires targeted skill-training to avoid breakdowns in the natural conversation flow that occurs in current forums. Issacs et al [14] observed that in many cases, the pivot person was focused on a remote conversation though a local person (or people) and only intermittently participated in the interaction when necessary, rather than moderating each statement. When it comes to facilitating deliberation, municipal government staff may need to play the role of a pivot person in order to encourage action-oriented conversations among residents.…”