Chat+and+IM

__toc Using Chat in your Classroom__
The are numerous pathways for students to engage in online real time discussions. Below are a few that we have selected for there ease of use and appropriateness in the classroom.

__Pirate Pad__
A quick, easy, and enjoyable way to get students to chat is through Pirate Pad. It is very easy to get started simply click the image below or go to [|www.piratepad.net] and start and new pad. Once you start a new pad enter your name in the space provided and select **share this pad **

Now you should see a new window pop up (see example below.) You can share this lik with your students or colleagues and start chatting.

__Video Chat and Messaging__
For now we will use TOK BOX.

TokBox video chat makes it easy to connect with students and colleagues in real time. Video chat with up to 20 people at once for free or add premium features as needed. **No downloads involved**, just an engaging new way to interact right in your browser.

Here are the steps to get chatting. click the image below and sign up for an account When you have registered you can invite contacts and start chatting. Use the Start a Video Chat Icon to start chatting.

1 thing that tokbox allows you to do is to send a video message to someone. We want you to record a video message and send this to us. Reflect on how this service can be used in your classes