Using Live Chat

How to Chat Effectively

Become familiar with Bb chat before your first session (see manual)
You might establish and post rules for students ahead of time
Limit chat to 6 or so students (more manageable)
Schedule chat at many different times and days so all students can participate (be aware of time zone differences)
Set a time limit (30 minutes, 1 hour)
To keep up with the rapid pace of messages, type a student name and then enter, then type rest of your response - students will know not to interrupt too soon
Tell students to keep comments short and to the point
Use ". . . " to indicate more to come; use a period for end
Convention states that you recognize students who enter the chat room with a "Hi John" - close the session with "Goodbye"
Always post chat rules and procedure ahead of time
Schedule various times (especially day and night) so that all students can fit them into their daily schedules

Last Updated: 09/18/2014

A Member of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

How to Chat Effectively