The Enablers and Barriers of Using Slack for Computer-Mediated Communication to Support the Learning Journey: A Case Study at a University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Slack is a tool originally used for computer-mediated communication within software companies as well as from academics to enable communication and collaboration. Slack is currently used in Higher Education for pedagogical purposes. This paper presents a case study of its application to support the learning journey in a German University of applied sciences. The study identifies enablers and barriers of the use of Slack as they come out from learning experience research with 20 undergraduate student interviews in their first semester as well as from observations of a Slack channel that the students and their educators used. The study identifies enablers with students reporting that Slack is easy to use, the discussions are flowing, the communication with educators is personal and friendly, and they get the opportunity to network and socialize with new fellow students in a less formal environment. However, certain barriers are apparent with students feeling overwhelmed by the information their educators share which often gets lost or dispersed in various other Slack channels and platforms outside slack. The findings indicate that for communication to be effective, teamwork between educators who manage Slack communication is essential and clear objectives of its use need to be timely and clearly defined.