Module 4: Internet communication

Other forms of communication

Web forums
Newsgroups
Online chat
Video conferencing

Web forums

Web forums or boards use the same concept as discussion groups but are available on the web instead of via email. They provide a type of 'noticeboard' where you can look at all the discussions, usually arranged by topic, and post your own messages and replies directly on the web page as well.

Unlike email-based discussion groups, which forward or 'push' information to members automatically, you have to visit a forum before you have access to the information it contains. In other words, you have to 'pull' the information to you.

Some web forums provide a hybrid service where you can access messages both via the web and via email.

ABC Online (http://abc.net.au/) (select Discuss) offers the opportunity to express opinions on a range of social issues and to consider the range of popular opinion that is generated in relation to controversial social issues. Here are a couple of forums devoted to science issues: ScienceForums.net (http://www.scienceforums.net/) and SCOPE (http://scope.educ.washington.edu/).

Newsgroups

Newsgroups are similar to email-based mailing lists and discussion groups, but they exist in their own part of the Internet (called UseNet) and are accessed through a special server at your internet service provider (ISP). To be able to read a newsgroup, you need newsreader software, which may be provided with your email software or browser. Newsgroups have their own etiquette, so if you intend participating, 'lurk' or listen in before posting any messages.

Many newsgroups also exist in an email version.

One way of looking for newsgroups is to use a directory such as Tile.net (http://tile.net/) and click on News to take you to the newsgroup page. This is searchable using keywords such as 'education' and 'science'.

Most newsgroups are open to anybody and are not moderated. Newsgroups may contain content that is inappropriate for students.

Online chat

Unlike email, online chat is a synchronous form of communication in which participants must be online at the same time in order to be able to communicate. It happens in real time and two or more participants can be involved.

The main forms of online chat are Internet relay chat (IRC), web page chat and instant messenger chat. IRC is the most widely used form of online chat; it uses special software, its own commands and a separate part of the Internet from the web. IRC allows many users on different systems at different locations to converge into one 'chat room' and have a discussion, similar to a conference call.

Web page chat does not require special software, but it does require a Java-capable browser. It may be a dedicated site or set up by an individual on their home page.

Instant messenger chat is also web-based and allows participants to exchange personal messages, documents and pictures instantly and privately with others. Participants must have the same message system to communicate.

Visit Chatting on the Net for more information (http://www.newircusers.com/).

It is not recommended that students take part in publicly accessible chat rooms because participants are anonymous and the content may not be suitable.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing is a form of audio and visual communication that is also synchronous, requiring participants to take part in real time. Although it is becoming more popular, its use is still restricted to relatively few schools in Australia. A very fast Internet connection and extra hardware are required.

For information about video conferencing, particularly the use of the popular (and free) CU-SeeMe software, go to The State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) SOFWeb page (http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/). Click on Teachers > Using the Internet > Videoconferencing and follow the links it contains.

There are some useful tips on video conferencing at Pacific Bell's Videoconferencing resource links (http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/links.html).