Backchannel Chat

Digital Citizen


Backchannel Chat is a safe chatting platform for classroom teachers and students. Students can immediately start powerful conversations after the teacher has created the room and given them the code. Participants can learn from each other and share their insights, improving participation and deepening learning. Backchannel Chat is great for capturing student notes for remediation or to share with those unable to attend class. 

Students will:

  • Be able to collaborate with each other with meaningful conversation while being a positive digital citizen.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Backchannel Chat:  A backchannel chat is the practice of using networked computers to maintain a real-time online conversation alongside the primary group activity or live spoken remarks.

To prepare for this lesson:


  • The transcripts can be downloaded to use and share with students. 
  • As a free user of Backchannel Chat, they will keep your data for three months.
  • YouTube videos can be embedded when chatting. 


Directions for this activity:

  1. The teacher introduces Backchannel Chat to the students.

  2. The teacher explains the many different ways that it can be used in the classroom. 

  3. The teacher logins to Backchannel Chat.

  4. The teacher names the room.

  5. The teacher opens the room and gives the student the URL or code initiated by Backchannel Chat. 

  6. The students will type in their names. (Tell them it has to be their real name and it must be appropriate.)

  7. Begin conversation.

Different options for assessing the students:

  • Observations
  • Check for understanding
  • The teacher can use the transcript feature to see student participation.
  • The teacher can use Backchannel Chat as a formative assessment.


Digital Citizen

Device: PC, Chromebook, Mac, iPad

Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, ALL

App, Extension, or Add-on:

Backchannel Chat

How to Create a Backchannel Chat for Your Classroom

Take 66: Backchannel Chat


The students learn good note taking skills. 

Use for math discussion and or questioning.

The students can have group discussions based on current topic.

The students can have group discussions based on current topic.
