2. By Christina Klinger Laurie Natale

3. Navigational Guide  Next Slide  Previous Slide  First Slide  Last Slide  Return to the Table of Contents

4. Table of Contents  Definition Definition  Features Features  Concerns Concerns  Similarities/Differences with other Communication Tools Similarities/Differences with other Communication Tools  Cost and Examples Cost and Examples  Resources Resources

5. Definition of Chat  “Two or more individuals connected to the Internet have real-time text-based conversations by typing messages into the computer” www.tamu.edu/ode/glossary.html

6. Features  Everything typed is displayed to the whole group  Can include images in real-time via web cams  Can exchange files  Can have exclusive groups or open groups  Can have a private room to converse with only one individual within the group  Can have personal avatars or 3-D settings

7. Concerns  Online predators may interact with children  Possibly an addictive activity  Cuts into work productivity  Proper behavior can be moderated in some chat rooms

8. Similarities/Differences with Other communication Technologies  Chatting is conversing with multiple people in real-time  Text messaging or instant messaging only converses with one individual  Forums can be used to post messages for a group but they are bulletin boards for messages rather than real-time

9. Cost  Depending on the service – chat rooms may be free or charge fees for participation Examples  Talk City Talk City  Chat Avenue Chat Avenue  IMVU IMVU

10. Resources  www.tamu.edu/ode/glossary.html www.tamu.edu/ode/glossary.html  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chat http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chat