A myEUROPE Chat is an activity, which adds together pupils, teachers and experts to discuss on-line about European issues.
Chat, chatroom, moderator and nickname
A 'chat' is a synchronous activity, meaning that it happens at the same time. Its goal is to communicate on-line in a light, easy and informal manner. Participants could be in different parts of the world; they sit in front of their computers and 'chat'. People in on-line chat sessions type messages to each other using their keyboards. The message then immediately appears on the screens of all the participants.
A 'chatroom' is an electronic space, typically a Web site where people can go to communicate in real-time. Chatrooms are usually focused on specific topics.
The 'moderator' is the person who is responsible for the chat. She/he makes sure that people stick to the chat rules and can ban those who don't.
A 'nickname' is a substitute name used while chatting. It is strongly recommended to avoid using real names.
How to participate in a chat session
Launch your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera)
Go to the website where the chat was announced and click on the link we provide
Wait several seconds to get a pop-up window
Go to 'log in', and type your nickname in the field
If you don't want to take part in the chat, don't log in. You can watch the dialogue, without joining in
If nothing happens, see the technical details related to 'firewalls'
Before joining the chat, watch for a while several minutes to gauge the general feeling of the dialogue
Usually a chat is moderated and has a specific topic. Ask questions, then wait and watch for replies. If you would like to reply to some other colleagues, please mention their nicknames between brackets [] or tags <>
Be fast, accurate, spontaneous and type short sentences.
Some general advice
Note that your native language may not be the chat language
If you are a native speaker of the chat language, use simple words and short sentences; the others may be non-native speakers and they may not be able to check a dictionary while chatting
During the session you do not see the faces of your partners. To make your communication more expressive use emoticons - facial expressions like smiling [:-] or surprised [= o], associated to a group of keystrokes
Never give out private information openly in a chat: passwords, credit card details, drivers license, numbers, home address etc.
Before taking part in a chat, please check the recommended resources related to its topic to prepare your pupils carefully for the online discussion; this ensures the chat's pedagogical value
Double-check which is correct time for your time zone
To get familiar with the application, a test session is organised in advance. Take part in the testing phase, follow these steps:
1. login by using your nickname 2. type and send out a test message to see how the tool works 3. close the window application at the end to leave.
Participation in a chat is based on an e-mail invitation, which includes a link to the chat. Click on it to get a page with instructions and hit the "Reload/Refresh" button of your browser
If your Internet provider has a firewall you need to get your system administrator to open up port 8000 and 6667 during the chat session.
These guidelines are also available in Spanish and Dutch, in pdf format.
A 'chatroom' is an electronic space, typically a Web site where people can go to communicate in real-time. Chatrooms are usually focused on specific topics.
