Interactivity

Chat

Chat rooms refer to synchronous or real time communication in which everyone is online at the same time. Chat rooms may be used to foster a sense of community and connection.

Uses for Chat

• Some teachers use the chat area to offer online office hours where students can drop in and ask general questions about the course or assignments.
• Others use chats for more structured learning sessions.
• Students may use chat rooms while working on small group projects
• Guest speakers may attend a chat session.

First time users of chat rooms often find a chaotic environment since it is hard to follow the sequence of postings.

Recent research has shown that the biggest users of real time chat are found within the 14 to 16 year old age group. Think about the implications of this activity in relation to our students entering college.