Virtual Classroom Chat Protocol

Entering the Virtual Classroom

If you are not familiar with the Virtual Classroom feature in BlackBoard,

• click on the Communications button,
• follow the Virtual Classroom link,
• and then click Enter Virtual Classroom.

As the note advises, makes sure your browser is Java enabled before entering the classroom. Make sure the Microphone tab is selected. A log of all the messages will appear in the window pane just below the tabs and I will use the white board just above the tabs as needed for web pages or drawings. You will place your postings in the bottom-most pane of the Tutornet Virtual Classroom window.

Getting attention

Just as in a traditional classroom, you must also raise your hand for attention in an on-line classroom or anarchy will rein. To raise your hand simply type in a ?. Your name automatically appears with your message, so I will know you have a question. I will recognize you by typing in your name and then you may paste your question into the classroom from Notepad [see below]. Each request will be taken in turn. If you post a question before you raise your hand and are recognized, I will simply ignore your posting. If you want to make a follow-on question or comment, you must raise you hand again and await another turn. The classroom keeps a log of all messages posted so I will not have trouble keeping track of the proper order. Sometimes it takes me a few moments to consider and respond to a question, please be patient.

Posting questions and comments

Do not type your message directly in the Tutornet Virtual Classroom. Open another window with Notepad, Wordpad, or whatever application you chose to compose your postings, and write your questions there. It slows everything down if we have to wait for questions to be typed directly in Tutornet. Also using another application to compose off-line will allow you to spell check your postings. [Please remember I don't have the luxury of composing my answers off-line, so bear with my typing, slow response time, and misspelled words.] The Virtual Classroom will not allow drag and drop, so

• type your question in Notepad or whatever,
• highlight and copy the text,
• place your cursor in the lowest Virtual Classroom pane,
• and press Ctrl+V to paste your text into the classroom.

Your message will not be transmitted to the classroom until you press Enter. As soon as you press enter you will see your message echoed.

My answers

There are several limitations to my answers during the chat session.

1. Usually the chat session period is completely filled with conversation, therefore time is at a premium. In-depth coverage of a single topic is often not possible. Consequently I may ask you to take your questions off-line by posting your topic to a discussion group or suggesting we talk by phone.
2. Since I have to respond quickly and extemporaneously, my explanation may not be detailed enough to meet your needs. If this is the case, you also may ask to have the conversation continued by phone or in the appropriate discussion group.

Also, in the interest of time and clarity, my response may simply send you to instructions or study units already posted on the course web page, or to sections of the text. While I know you have attempted to read all I have provided for the course, you can only absorb so much even with multiple readings. Being very familiar with the course material, I may identify where you should reread for a fuller understanding of your question. Please appreciate these directions are to expedite the chat session and to give you the best opportunity to learn what you need to learn.

Side conversations in class

Also, like a traditional classroom, there can be no whispering in the back of the room. You may only raise your hand or post a question. Do not post messages to anyone but me. Of course there maybe a legitimate need to talk among yourself during the hour and fortunately the virtual classroom affords an opportunity to "step out into the hall". If several persons from one team are attending the conference, you may go to your Group area and start another team only Virtual Classroom chat.

• Click the Groups button,
• follow the link to your group area,
• click Group Virtual Classroom,
• and then Enter Virtual Classroom.

This will open a new Tutornet Classroom window that only your group can see. If you would like to talk with someone, not in your Group, I have created an All Student Chatroom where everyone can join in.

• Click the Groups button,
• follow the link to the All Student Chatroom,
• click Group Virtual Classroom,
• and then Enter Virtual Classroom.

This will open a new Tutornet Classroom window that can be seen by everyone. You do not need to join in on the side conversation if you choose not to.