Chapter 6

How to use chat

Chat in language teaching

Chat is a tool that allows for synchronous, e. real-time, communication over internet. Chat has enormous potential to link student around the world, in real time. It is possible to use a chat in the classroom because many learners will often be familiar with this technology and will use in their social lives.

There are advantages to use a chat in learning process either in or outside the classroom, like:

o Using chat in the classroom can be hugely motivating to learners because by using it teacher is bringing current technology into the language learning process.

o Teachers can link up classes and groups in different locations.

o Learners in the same class can chat together in outside the classroom to improve their English as part of their homework or self-study activities.

o Teacher need to have a clear purpose for using a chat in the classroom.

Types of chat

1. Text chat

2. Audio or voice chat

3. Public chat

4. Private chat

There are several different types of educational chat that teacher can set up with learners.

1. Free topic chats

2. Collaborative, task-oriented chats

3. Informative or academic chats

4. Practice chats

How to start using text or voice chat with learners?

Step 1. Install and learn to use the software

Step 2. A practice chat class

Step 3. Contact with another class