Research Based Instructional Strategy

The article discusses a AP History teacher using homework and practice strategy by implementing an Internet relay chat room for his students during his lesson on the French Revolution.  He also included on the class room web site a link specifically for parents so they could be kept up to date on what their children were doing in case they needed help.  The chat room was set up with limited access and only during specific times so that students could ask questions or clarify ideas.   I can see how this could be helpful to the student.  Once they got home and began wading through the dense material it might be necessary to ask additional questions to clear up a concept or expand on something they had read.  Also by having the chat room, a student could ask about assignments and tests so that there would be less excuses and more accountability.  Having the ability to speak directly to the instructor after classroom hours in a structured environment like this could be a wonderful way to help students and parents.