Using IChatInstant Messaging Software

Dean McKinneyGreater 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 InternetWeb 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-->PreferencesAdd 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 ListEach division school has an AOL account

eg GHPGSACRD, BKGSACRD

Other sources: www.isighted.com www.iearn.org

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.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

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

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

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

DisadvantagesSecurity 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?

http://learningservices.gsacrd.ab.ca