Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging (IM) can be a helpful tool in communicating with other students as well as with the instructor in online courses. IM is an easy and inexpensive way to stay connected with each other during the course.

To get started, subscribe to an IM service provider and download their free software. There are several IM providers to choose from:

• AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
• IChat
• ICQ
• MSN
• Yahoo Messenger

After subscribing to an IM service, add your fellow classmates and instructor to your buddy list. With a buddy list established, it will be easy to see when other students are online and students can easily IM each other to ask questions about course materials or projects.

It is important to note that in order to communicate with each other, students need to use the same IM provider. Trillian can help overcome this obstacle. Trillian is a Windows program that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. It supports standard IM features such as audio chat, file transfers, group chats, chat rooms and more. Trillian imports your passwords, buddy lists and client preference into its own interface and acts as a hub for all your chat traffic. Trillian can be downloaded for free from CNET.

A Mac Multi-Protocol IM Client for OS X is Fire

Instant Messaging Resources

• To further enhance the IM experience, see the Email and Instant Messaging Abbreviations - Shorthand Acronym List.

• HowStuffWorks has a great explanation of How Instant Messaging Works.

-- LucilleLindamood - 22 Jun 2005