Chat, Instant Messaging, Messaging
What is it?
Chat and instant messaging allow participants to conduct a discussion over the Internet. Originally, only text-based communications were possible; now, webcams enable participants in chat rooms such as Windows Messenger to see and talk to each other, while Skype and similar tools permit telephone communications over the Internet (either free or at considerably cheaper rates than conventional telephony). Participants can also exchange files, images and Web links to illustrate the discussion.
In contrast with discussion forums, chat and instant messaging are for synchronous communication, and all participants must be logged in at the same time.
How can I use it with my students?
Text-based chat is probably of limited value in a face-to-face setting. First, it is a somewhat unnatural method of conversation among people sitting in close proximity and can discriminate against students with slow typing skills. Moreover, the very name “chat” may invite students to do just that, rather than discuss the topic that you have set them.
Nevertheless, both chat and instant messaging can be useful in the following contexts:
- Mentoring an online (distance) learner
- Group work by students (in fact, you may find that they use the tools for this purpose already!)
Bear in mind that, unlike, discussion forums, there are no threads in a chat discussion and postings are displayed in chronological order. This can make it difficult to comment on a point that was made much earlier in the discussion.
Taking part in a chat yourself:
You can either allow the students to chat privately or take part yourself. If there is a risk that students may wander off the subject, then you should certainly monitor their exchanges and intervene where necessary.
Examples
- Share and Discuss A case study on how chat has been used on a BA in Child and Youth Studies at Perth College.
How can I get access to one?
Chatrooms are sometimes provided as part of a VLE (e.g. Moodle), and you can have a separate area for each course or module (restricting access only to the students taking that course/module). Otherwise, you have two options:
- Download a messaging tool to your computer and obtain an account with a messenger provider (all participants must do this). You then add people’s account details to the tool in order to start communicating. The most popular instant messaging tools are probably Windows Messenger (provided with the Windows XP operating system) and Yahoo! Messenger.
- Use a Web-based messenger tool. Such tools are useful if you cannnot download software to your computer, but they have fewer features and be slower to transmit messages.
You can find lists of chat and instant messaging tools, as well as further tips on how to use them, on the Website of the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies.
Note: Some organisations block the “port” needed to run a chatroom. Check with your IT support staff before you decide to include chat sessions in a course.
