1. Chapter 6
How to use chat

2. Chat in language teaching
Chat=a tool that allows for synchronous (real-time)
communication over the Internet
“Chat has enormous potential to link students around the world.”
--Chat in the classroom
--Chat outside the classroom
*Using chat should have a clear purpose for learning.

3. Four types of chat:
--text chat
--audio/voice chat
--public chat
--private chat

4. Text chat
The messages appear on the screen.
Text chat is getting less popular.
Audio/voice chat
This is like a phone conversation.
The users need microphones & speakers
or headphones.

5. Public chat
Many public chat rooms on the Internet.
An alias (nickname) rather than a real name.
Example: Yahoo! Chat (Movies, Music, etc.)
Private chat
Connect individual users over the Internet.
Installation of client programs such as:
Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger,
Google Talk

6. Four types of educational chat
Free topic chats
No specific topics, no modulators.
Collaborative, task-oriented chats
With a specific task to complete
(ex) To make a group presentation about global
warming
Informative or academic chats
learning through lecture/presentation chats
Practice chats
practicing language
(ex) practicing a telephone job interview

7. Chat programs The most popular chat program: Skype
NetMeeting (old program by Microsoft; not found anymore)
Windows Meeting Place
audio/video conferencing
a whiteboard facility
program sharing (ex. looking at the same
PowerPoint presentation)
file transfer

8. Why use chat in language teaching?...5 important questions
1. Does using chat with learners improve their English?
Research says: it improves learners’ language abilities
good opportunities for negotiating meaning
*text chats can be confusing.
2. What kind of English should be used?
Standard written English conventions should be used—different people from　around the world
*Useful abbreviations can be taught: btw (by the way), cu (see you)
Netiquette should be taught.
Basic rules for turn-taking should be taught. (pages 75 and 76)

9. 3. What technical skills do teachers and learners need
to be able to use chat?
(1) Easy to install and use chat software.
(2) The ability to type fast is very useful.
(3) (The ability to think in English fast is also very, very useful.)
4. What benefits does the use of chat bring to the classroom?
(1) It motivates learners – using English for real purposes and
using current technology

10. 5. Is it better to use text or voice chat with learners?
Text chat and voice chat: two entirely different media.
Expose your students to a combination of both text and voice chat.
See the list of advantages and disadvantages of
text chat and voice chat on pages

11. How to start using text or voice chat with learners
Step 1: Install and learn to use the software
-- “Skype” might be the best choice.
--User name and password necessary
(2) Step 2: A practice chat in class
--Check the familiarity of the students with chat
--Practice in pairs: less experienced and
more experienced users
(3) Step 3: Contact with another class

12. How to structure a text or voice chat lesson
A Sample text chat lesson plan
---See pages 79-82

13. A Summary of issues on using text and/or voice chat with learners
*Try the software out before setting up the ‘real’ chat.
--Be familiar with the chat program including technical limitations
*Make contact with the other class via /blog projects before using chat.
--To get to know each other well. Personal information and digital photoes.
*Set a clear task.

14. *Make small groups.
--6 to 8 people for text chat, 3 to 5 people for voice chat.
*Record the chat.
--To review the chat
--To give other students to read/listen to the chat.
*Have a contingency plan! “Multimedia can be multi-failure.”