Recently, in educational settings, email communication has been enhanced or replaced by instant messaging tools, which allow for a more robust and instantaneous communication with students and colleagues. These tools often allow for differentiating topics of discussion via a variety of channels. They also often allow for group conversations, direct messages between individuals, and synchronous and asynchronous voice and video messages.
Pronto
Pronto is a communication tool supported by Boston University. It provides a more instantaneous way of sending and receiving text, video or audio messages from students. The platform is very similar to Slack. Pronto can be integrated into your BlackBoard course by visiting the “Tools” section of your BlackBoard site. For more information on Pronto, its features and its BlackBoard integration visit
Boston University’s IS&T Pronto page.
For an overview of Pronto, watch this training session provided by Ed Tech and IS&T.
Note: In order to set up your Pronto account, you would need to access it through your BlackBoard course the first time. Once you have accessed it that way, you may then access it through the Pronto website and mobile app by using your BU email address.
Slack
Slack is a communication tool (non-BU-supported). It provides a more instantaneous way of sending and receiving text, video or audio messages from students. The platform is very similar to Pronto. Slack cannot be integrated into your BlackBoard course at the moment, but you can always provide a link to your Slack channel on your BlackBoard site. For more information on the use of Slack in educational settings, visit the
Remote Learning section of the Slack website. 