Chapter 6

How to use chat

Chat in language teaching

Chat=a tool that allows for synchronous (real-time) communication over the Internet

“Chat has enormous potential to link students around the world.”

--Chat in the classroom

--Chat outside the classroom

*Using chat should have a clear purpose for learning.

Four types of chat:

--text chat --audio/voice chat --public chat --private chat

Text chat

The messages appear on the screen. Text chat is getting less popular.

Audio/voice chat

This is like a phone conversation. The users need microphones & speakers or headphones.

Public chat

Many public chat rooms on the Internet. An alias (nickname) rather than a real name. Example: Yahoo! Chat (Movies, Music, etc.)

Private chat

Connect individual users over the Internet. Installation of client programs such as: Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk

Four types of educational chatFree topic chats No specific topics, no modulators.

Collaborative, task-oriented chats With a specific task to complete (ex) To make a group presentation about global warming

Informative or academic chats learning through lecture/presentation chats

Practice chats practicing language (ex) practicing a telephone job interview

Chat programs

1. The most popular chat program: Skype

2. NetMeeting (old program by Microsoft; not found anymore)

Windows Meeting Place audio/video conferencing a whiteboard facility program sharing (ex. looking at the same PowerPoint presentation) file transfer

Why use chat in language teaching?...5 important questions

1. Does using chat with learners improve their English? Research says: it improves learners’ language abilities good opportunities for negotiating meaning *text chats can be confusing.

2. What kind of English should be used? Standard written English conventions should be used—

different people from　 around the world *Useful abbreviations can be taught: btw (by the way), cu

(see you) Netiquette should be taught. Basic rules for turn-taking should be taught. (pages 75 and

76)

3. What technical skills do teachers and learners need to be able to use chat?

(1) Easy to install and use chat software. (2) The ability to type fast is very useful.

(3) (The ability to think in English fast is also very, very useful.)

4. What benefits does the use of chat bring to the classroom?

(1) It motivates learners – using English for real purposes and using current technology

5. Is it better to use text or voice chat with learners?

(1)Text chat and voice chat: two entirely different media.

(2)Expose your students to a combination of both text and voice chat.

See the list of advantages and disadvantages of text chat and voice chat on pages 77-78.

How to start using text or voice chat with learners

(1) Step 1: Install and learn to use the software -- “Skype” might be the best choice. --User name and password necessary

(2) Step 2: A practice chat in class --Check the familiarity of the students with chat --Practice in pairs: less experienced and more experienced users

(3) Step 3: Contact with another class

How to structure a text or voice chat lesson

A Sample text chat lesson plan ---See pages 79-82

A Summary of issues on using text and/or voice chat with learners

*Try the software out before setting up the ‘real’ chat. --Be familiar with the chat program including technical limitations

*Make contact with the other class via email /blog projects before using chat. --To get to know each other well. Personal information and digital photoes.

*Set a clear task.

*Make small groups. --6 to 8 people for text chat, 3 to 5 people for voice chat.

*Record the chat. --To review the chat --To give other students to read/listen to the chat.

*Have a contingency plan! “Multimedia can be multi-failure.”