CHAT ROOMS What is it? Chat: a service offered by some Internet Service Providers (ISP) and some internet sites that set aside a space in which two or more internet users can meet in real time. Chats can be public or private.

CHAT ROOMS How do you use it? A virtual space that is established which participants can enter You communicate by typing a message and send it for public display in the chat room. This allows individuals to respond to each other in real time in internet space. All users must have the same chat software.

INSTANT MESSAGING What is it? A form of chat that is one to one that can be started whenever another user is simultaneously online.

INSTANT MESSAGING How do you use it? Typically configure the IM software to notify you when specific individuals go online. Once notified that an individual is online, you can IM that individual, which is an open, two person, temporary message room in which to communicate.

PROS & CONS Pros: Chat software can be downloaded, but is most often a part of an ISP’s services. Public chat rooms can have multiple participants. Private gives you the opportunity to conduct business one on one. You can establish national and international dialogue with colleagues across the globe. Free internet resource. Live interaction Cons: Public chat rooms are difficult to control/monitor content. Private allow only designated individuals to participate. Chats are synchronous, all parties must be prepared to participate at a specific time. You never know who you’re really talking to.

Sources/References 4/groupchatMac.png 4/groupchatMac.png Teaching and Learning with Technology – Judy Lever-Duffy and Jean B. McDonald