back channel

See also: backchannel and back-channel

English edit

back channel (plural back channels)

The smaller of two channels in a river that diverge to form an island.
A secondary channel of activity, typically in parallel with primary channels and somewhat independent of them.
An unofficial communications channel used to make informal or subversive negotiations.
(computing) A real-time online discussion that occurs simultaneously with a verbal presentation.
- 2017, Di Zou, James Lambert, “Feedback methods for student voice in the digital age”, in British Journal of Educational Technology, volume 48, number 5, page 1083:
  TodaysMeet visualizes collaborative and parallel conversations in a backchannel through a digital classroom where every student has a voice.
(linguistics) A gesture or short prompt by which a listener invites a speaker to continue.