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Slack is a cloud-based software tool for team collaboration. I used it as the primary tool to teach an asynchronous graduate level course called Tools for Community Advocacy at the University of Hawaii's library and information science (UHLIS) program, and it went well. UHLIS uses courseware that is some of the best out there-Laulima, based on Sakai-but similar to all courseware, it has a steep learning curve and some limitations. As an adjunct who was teaching a single 6-week class, I didn't have the time available to learn to use the tool well. I decided to stick with what I knew- which was websites, Google Docs, Skype, and Slack-using Slack as the activity hub.
What Is Slack?
People describe Slack as Internet Relay Chat (IRC) for the 21st century. Its main function is as a multi-user chat tool, but it's more than that. The main feature is a well-designed messaging platform with the ability to add multiple public and private channels and users with varying levels of access. It also allows one-on-one direct messaging (DM) conversations and even audio chats. The interface looks the same as and works almost identically between the different, browser-based desktop app and mobile implementations. A user can participate in a conversation on the phone and then log in via his or her desktop, and the full record of his or her conversation is available to him or her. Users do not need to have a particular email address or tech platform to sign up for or use the service.
Slack's pricing model is also attractive, which is why I mention it as a real option for libraries. It's free to try, free for small nonprofits (up to 250 people), and low-cost for educational institutions. I have my own Slack channel at jessamyn.slack.com. I can add as many users as I want, but I can only access and...