HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF CHAT IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS

Most people can readily see the social value of using online chat. Chat can also be a very powerful teaching tool. Below are some strategies that demonstrate chat's versatility as a teaching tool.

POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES

Teaching note: though some may consider it impolite I use CAPITAL LETTERS TO GAIN EVERYONE'S ATTENTION. So if you see me typing in capitals please finish your message and await further input from the facilitator.

  • Introduction

    teaching note - once the chat (lesson) has begun it is best if only the facilitator greets any latecomers; likewise if people leave early. A stream of hellos or goodbyes can be quite disruptive to the flow of a chat (lesson).

  • Brainstorming

    1) fast and furious Topic: ACE would be a better place to work if........
    2) orderly turn-taking Topic: How can ACE get out of debt?

  • Word Association
  • Short Discussions (5 minutes)
    • choose, or have the group choose a topic
    • have a 5 minute freewheeling discussion on the topic
    • after 5 minutes ask for a volunteer to summarise the discussion
    • choose a new topic and repeat
      (idea borrowed from Gilly Salmon)
  • Projecting URLs
  • Roleplay

    Possible Roles:

    • police officer
    • driver 1
    • driver 2
    • witness
    • ambulance officer

  • Breaking into Smaller Groups
  • Use in conjunction with forums