Using IChat Instant Messaging Software

1
Using IChatInstant Messaging Software

• Dean McKinney
• Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

2
What is IChat?

• IChat is an instant messaging software that
  allows you to communicate with other IChat users
  anywhere in the world. You can communicate using
  video, audio, and/or text.

3
What Is Needed With IChat?

• Mac OS X and IChat software
• Internet
• Web camera (Built-in, ISight, or video camera)
• Connection with another IChat user

4
Who Can You Connect With?

• Bonjour - safe connections inside the school
• Division Chat Server - safe connections with
  staff
• AOL Instant Messaging - global users

5
Getting Started

• Steps Involved
• Configure IChat software
• IChat--gtPreferences
• Add A Buddy (request)
• Invite To Chat
• (ie text, audio, or video)

6
Finding Chat Partners

• Bonjour - All users in school appear in list
• Division staff can request GSACRD IChat account
• Contact LTS, invite others to your Buddy List
• Each division school has an AOL account
• eg GHPGSACRD, BKGSACRD
• Other sources
• www.isighted.com
• www.iearn.org

7
Starting An IChat.

• Select someone to chat with using your Buddy List
• Dark text indicates person is online

Online
Method of Communication
Add to Buddy List
8
Starting An IChat

• Invitation as it appears when received
• Can elect to receive or decline. Can also BLOCK
  users from sending you messages.

9
Video Chats

• IChat users can enter into video chats with up to
  three other users at one time.
• Can also have one-way video chats.

10
Uses For Instant Messaging

• Collaboration
• Team Teaching
• Guest Speakers
• Mentoring
• Student Projects
• Instant feedback
• Avoid phone charges
• Can be fun!

11
Address Book Software

• Software used to keep contact information
• Export contacts as VCARDS (electronic business
  cards)
• Can share your vcard with others for their
  address books

12
Advantages/Disadvantages

• Advantages
• Easy to use
• Real Time Fast Instant Response
• Contact / Buddy List
• Controlled access
• View availability online
• Can talk to anyone with a free AOL account

13
Advantages/Disadvantages

• Disadvantages
• Security risks
• Message interception
• Virus via file transfer (bypasses virus scanning)
• Privacy concerns
• Can be distracting
• Lack administration
• Can be a time waster

14
Questions?
http//learningservices.gsacrd.ab.ca