The "Chat" tool allows you to have a live discussion with your students.

This particular chat tool is not the same as MSN® or Yahoo Messenger® because it is web based. The disadvantage is that it refreshes only after 10 seconds and not immediately. The advantage is that it is integrated in your course, it archives your discussions into the Documents tool and it doesn't require any plug-in from your students to download.

If users add their photo in "My Profile" (top banner), then this will appear in the discussion area to help identify them.

Only the teacher is allowed to delete any discussions which he feels is irrelevant.

Use the chat

• Invite the students to the chat session, some time in advance (2-3 reminders).
• Be ready at the indicated time.
• Go to the chat area.
• Write a short message on the little text area in the lower part of the screen.
• Click on the "OK" button.
• Wait for answers.
• Send new message.
• Wait – send message – wait …………
• The teacher has to finish the chat session and send a few concluding remarks (e.g. indicate that the discussion can be found in the Document area).

To pose a question

• Click on the check box next to the word question.
• Type in your question in the text box on the bottom part of the screen.
• Click "OK".

To delete the messages sent to the list

• Click on the option "clear the list".

Example of simple chat