Chat

WebCT also has a communication tool called Chat. Chat allows multiple users to talk in a real-time environment in groups or privately. You communicate with other people by typing what you want to say. Other people’s comments are displayed on your computer screen prefaced by the speaker’s name.

The Chat tool can be used:

• To hold virtual brainstorming sessions within groups
• As a group discussions area
• As a meeting ‘room’ for virtual hours
• For guest speakers

After selecting the Chat icon from the homepage you will go to the WebCT Chat entry page. Notice there are 4 general-purpose rooms, one general forum for the course and one for all courses. You have the option of ‘chatting’ in a general area, or using one of the 4 separate rooms where the ‘conversation is logged for future reference.

An example of the Chat homepage:

All of the users currently logged in are listed on the right – hand side of the window. The content of the conversation will appear in the main window. Type your message in the lower box and press <enter> to send it to other participants.

To send a PRIVATE MESSAGE, click on the person’s name on the right. Their name will now be highlighted in blue. Type your message and press <Enter> - the message will be displayed on your screen (and theirs) and it will be listed as private.

To stop sending private messages, click on the name of the person again and their name will no longer by highlighted in blue. You will also notice that below the Current User window there is an option for an ‘Entry Chime’. If enabled, this chime will notify you if someone enters the chat room.

Send URL

This feature allows you to send URLs or World Wide Web addresses to other people in the Chat session. Click on the Send URL button and enter the URL you wish to send in the pop up window:

After typing in the URL that you want to send to everyone, click Send. The people receiving this URL will then see a screen similar to the image on the right:

NOTE: This URL is sent out to everyone currently logged into this Chat room. If you want to send it to individuals only, click on their name(s) on the Current Users list and the follow the procedures for sending a URL.