Participate in a chat session
on the web. The experience gives
you a chance to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of chat
sessions, to avoid pitfalls in your student sessions, and to improve
on the advantages you experienced. Consider: What aspects of the
chat did you find satisfying/unsatisfying? Why? How might you be
able to improve the experience for your students?
Test your chat tools with
others. Software glitches (slow response
times, imprecise directions for using the tools, etc.) can adversely
impact learning. Trying out software in advance lets you deal proactively
with problems. Consider: Do you have students experienced in using
this tool who could/would help others and/or suggest tips for more
effective online interaction?
Limit the number of participants
in chat sessions. Driscoll recommends
that groups of 5-7 should be used to keep the conversation from lagging
or dissolving into chaos. Consider: How experienced/comfortable are
you with online chat? You may want to keep groups smaller to begin
with (i.e., 3-4 participants plus you).