WHAT IS A CHAT ROOM
Electronic chats are a synchronous form of communication, closely resembling actual, real-time conversations. Individuals log-into a system and can communicate directly with anyone else logged into the same system. Within seconds of writing a comment online, everyone else logged-into the system can view and immediately respond to these initial remarks.

CHAT ROOMS:

• can be used to carry out formal or informal discussions about current events, controversies, readings, common experiments, business plans, and many other issues
• can be used to provide immediate feedback or responses to learner questions
• can be used by students to present and describe their work to others; feedback or advice can be sought from other participants
• can promote community among groups of learners who otherwise would be unable to communicate formally or informally (e.g., geographically dispersed)

DISCLOSURE:
Since electronic chats are synchronous or "live," you should be aware that only 2 or 3 students can effectively communicate at any one time. Entire classes attempting to chat together will not only be confusing for the students, but will also likely slow the server system to a crawl or crash. CourseInfo, in particular, cannot manage large chat groups.