|
Chat is... ...a form of text-based electronic communication. Despite its name, chat is typed. Chats are held in virtual online "conference rooms" that can be accessed by users at any time, from anywhere. During a chat, messages typed by one user appear on the monitors of other users, who can then type responses. The give and take is synchronous and nearly instantaneous. Chat is a quick, low-cost way to conduct meetings in a secured environment through the Internet. Typically, users connect with the chatroom using client software loaded on their personal computers. After logging into the virtual rooms, they communicate using their keyboards. |
 |
|
Why Use Chat? Chat is essentially instantaneous (real-time) in both its traditional and Web-based forms. Thus, it is ideal for facilitating effective conversation and for classroom activities based on the exchange of ideas through discussion. It is especially well-suited for short messages and unrehearsed exchanges, and it can be used by instructors to hold office hours, question-and-answer sessions, and test-prep meetings. How to Use Chat: You and your students will all need some kind of chat client software (the software that sits on your machine), such as ICQ, to access chat sites established on the Internet. An alternative is to use a Web browser to enter Web-based chatrooms, such as those hosted at Yahoo!Chat. In addition, major courseware products, including Blackboard and WebCT, usually include chat functions. |
