Online Chat Tips
- plan, organize, prepare chat thoroughly
- have practice chat sessions before the real event
- if the numbers are large use a moderator to filter questions
- send prepared private messages to latecomers
- use the chat as brainstorming, then distribute the chat text
- encourage learners working in groups to use the online chat
- send reminders for chat times, post procedures well in advance
- make sure everyone turns up to the chat room on time
- don't let latecomers get away with interrupting you
- have plenty of text snippets prepared - questions, intro, close
- only discuss one topic at a time
- set rules for questions and responses, for yourself and learner
- eg. instructor asks question, all can answer but max 2 lines
- eg. instructor asks questions, learners must wait until asked
- eg. instructor types question, learner types 'A' if they want
to answer and then waits for the go ahead from the instructor
- learners can also type 'Q' if they have a question, or 'C' if
they have a comment, and then wait for instructor
- be strict with the time. Start on time, close on time
- read the chat text after every session for a different view
Once more - plan, organize, prepare chat thoroughly
HAVE A BACKUP PLAN (see our UWG WebCT Back-up Plan).