Using IChat Instant Messaging Software Dean McKinney Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools What is IChat? IChat is an instant messaging software that allows you to communicate with other IChat users anywhere in the world. You can communicate using video, audio, and/or text.

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools  Mac OS X and IChat software  Internet  Web camera (Built-in, ISight, or video camera)  Connection with another IChat user What Is Needed With IChat?

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools  Bonjour - safe connections inside the school  Division Chat Server - safe connections with staff  AOL Instant Messaging - global users Who Can You Connect With?

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Steps Involved:  Configure IChat software  IChat-->Preferences  Add A Buddy (request)  Invite To Chat  (ie text, audio, or video) Getting Started

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools  Bonjour - All users in school appear in list  Division staff can request GSACRD IChat account  Contact LTS, invite others to your Buddy List  Each division school has an AOL account  eg GHPGSACRD, BKGSACRD  Other sources:   Finding Chat Partners

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Select someone to chat with using your Buddy List Dark text indicates person is online Starting An IChat. Add to Buddy List Method of Communication Online

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Invitation as it appears when received: Can elect to receive or decline. Can also BLOCK users from sending you messages. Starting An IChat

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools IChat users can enter into video chats with up to three other users at one time. Can also have one-way video chats. Video Chats

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools  Collaboration  Team Teaching  Guest Speakers  Mentoring  Student Projects  Instant feedback  Avoid phone charges  Can be fun! Uses For Instant Messaging

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools  Software used to keep contact information  Export contacts as VCARDS (electronic business cards)  Can share your “vcard” with others for their address books Address Book Software

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Advantages  Easy to use  Real Time – Fast – Instant Response  Contact / ‘Buddy List‘  Controlled access  View availability online  Can talk to anyone with a free AOL account Advantages/Disadvantages

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Disadvantages Security risks Message interception Virus via file transfer (bypasses virus scanning) Privacy concerns Can be distracting Lack administration Can be a time waster Advantages/Disadvantages

Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Questions?