1. Using IChatInstant Messaging Software Dean McKinney Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

2. 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

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

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

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

6. Finding Chat Partners • 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: • www.isighted.com • www.iearn.org Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

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

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

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

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

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

12. Advantages/Disadvantages 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 Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

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

14. Questions? http://learningservices.gsacrd.ab.ca Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools