Chat / Chat Room

[SIG 1 Glossary]

Why use chat in project work?

• share ideas quickly regardless of distance
• communicate with experts, authors, scientists, etc.
• brainstorming between peers, students and colleagues
• collaboration tasks, meetings
• gain cultural or social experiences
• get document of shared opinions and agreement (if chat is recordable)

Types of chat rooms:

• web browser: text and or graphic elements (MOOS; MUDs)
• voice chat, needing specific softare to be installed on computer and equipments
• specific IRC software installed on computer (e.g. Messenger, MiRC)

How to use chat in educational framework?

• define need (how it enhances, improves learning)
• define purpose (e.g. to share opinions, to brainstorm possibilities of smth, to discuss with expert)
• plan (e.g. stracture; approach; possible preparation assignments of participants)
• have clear rules (e.g. who coordinates, ways of participation, "chatiquette")
• follow time limit and agenda
• encourage shy or slow ones.

is available for your Comenius project. In the future it will be developed to have certain rooms - now there is only one.

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