Talk channels are a great way for facilitators to engage with learners, and for learners to engage with each other.
Learn more: For ideas on how to use talk channels, check out Creating a facilitation plan and template.
How to set up Talk channels for a class activation
Talk channels can be set by default for the entire organisation by an account owner and they can also be customised by a manage user when creating a class activation.
Talk channels can't be changed by class facilitators.
Types of Talk channels
Talk channels can be Private (facilitator support) or Public.
And, public channels can be Broadcast, Full access, or Group.
Private channels
Private channels (facilitator support) let learners privately message their facilitator(s).
Public channels
Broadcast channels let only facilitators post. Learners can reply, but not start new posts of their own. For more information see the article here.
Full access channels are used to encourage general discussion and let anyone start a new post and anyone reply.
Group channels lets only learners and facilitators in that group view and contribute. This is often used for group work within a larger class. For more information on how to set up group access, see this article.
How to use Talk - Channels, posts, and threads
As well as a text response, you can also make lists, add links to websites, and attach images, documents and videos to your posts.
Talk channels support threaded discussions (replies to a message) which will allow sub-conversations to branch off without breaking the flow of the main conversation in the channel.
Learn more: For more detailed instructions, see How to use Talk (including moderation) for facilitators.
How find new posts
If there are any unread talk channel posts, you'll see a green indicator on Talk and the Channel name so that you and your learners can find the new posts easily.
Tip: Use keyword in Search on the Social tab to find any relevant social conversations including messages in Talk, social notes and in page discussions.
How to get email updates for new posts to a Talk channel
As a default, when people respond to a post you've made (or replied to), you'll get an in-app notification (found in the Bell in the top right). And if you've set your preferences to allow email or text, you'll get an email/text too.
As with public Talk channels, you can also choose to Get email updates for new posts in private channels.