Course Tools

Collaboration / Chat

Collaboration Tool

The Collaboration tool is actually made up of TWO chat tools:

• Lightweight Chat*
• Virtual Classroom

*At this time, we recommend the use of the Lightweight Chat tool.

To use the chat tool look for it in the Course Menu under Tools or the Collaboration link.

Collaboration icon as seen under Tools option

Lightweight Chat

Chat allows groups of users to have discussions in real time. This requires that all participants be in the same chat session at the same time.

The Chat tools require a JAVA plugin in order to work. Do this well in advance of your first chat session.

Chat session listing - Click to Join

Join a Chat Session

Click on the session name next to the Chat tool that you will be participating in. The Chat session will popup in a new browser window.

If the chat popup window (see left) does not appear, follow the on-screen instructions to install the Java plugin.

*Important: If you have software that blocks popup windows installed on your computer, the chat popup window may not appear.

Chat session window in more detail

Messages will appear in the main white box. People logged into the chat appear in the left-hand column.

Compose a Message

Type your message in the space below the discussion and click the Send button. This is happening in real time, so keep your messages short and on-topic!

Leave a Chat Session

Close the chat window by clicking the X icon in the upper right-hand corner. You will not receive any chat messages that are entered by other users after you have left the session.