University of Tasmania, Australia

Chat is 'real time' (i.e. synchronous) so all participants who wish to contribute to discussion need to be available at the one time. It's thus a less flexible tool than the discussion board, but more spontaneous and generally less formal.

Chat applications

The chat tool is of value in a number of teaching/learning situations; for example:

• in group work - when the members need to quickly resolve issues surrounding a group activity such as a project and are unable to meet face-to-face.
  
• as an open help line: You can make yourself available online at a particular time (perhaps on a regular timetabled basis) to answer student queries. This is of particular value when students are unable to meet with you face-to-face.
  
• For involving a guest facilitator/leader - when the person is able to make a 'one off' commitment but not necessarily a longer term engagement (as would be required if facilitating a discussion board).
  
• Socialisation: Chat can be quite informal, and provide a forum for social engagement and for creating a sense of learning community. This use is particularly appropriate for off-campus students. A chat room can be specifically set aside for this purpose.

See preparing for and managing chat sessions (PDF 50KB) Quick reference guide for advice on particpant numbers and tips on facilitating a chat session.

Note: Chat sessions with more than 10 participants becomes hard to manage, so carefully consider your student numbers (and teaching resources) before building chat sessions into the formal part of the teaching program.

Help resources

• Managing the chat/whiteboard for teaching (PDF 99KB) Step-by-step guide
• Netiquette for online communications (PDF 57KB) Quick Guide.