Real-Time Interactions

Selected Links

In real-time exchanges, students participate in electronic dialogues which take place synchronously. Discussants compose and send messages which are compiled and sent to the other members of the conversation. These exchanges are generally fast-paced and bring out a diversity of perspectives on a topic. In real-time exchanges, students who usually are reluctant to speak tend to participate more fully. Additionally, since these exchanges take place using the computer and keyboard, students are also engaged in a process of reading and writing during real-time sessions.

There are some caveats to keep in mind: Real-time discussions tend to move quickly, so it is possible to feel overwhelmed and difficult to keep up with all the messages. Also, discussions may seem to merely touch on many topics. While not every message is superficial, the depth of understanding that develops in real-time conversations is usually the result of cumulative brainstorming, rather than fully developed argumentation.

Use real-time exchanges for activities that are geared toward the development of multiple perspectives and ideas. You can also encourage students to pay close attention to the messages that interest them the most and to not be overwhelmed by trying to follow every nuance of a high-volume conversation. Finally, you can keep a transcript of the discussions in order to increase the sense of authority given to real-time writing and provide a record of the conversation for students to refer to.

Overall, the increased participation and the free exchange of ideas that are brought about by real-time interactions are one of the greatest benefits provided by the computer classroom. You'll have three basic opportunities to engage in real-time conversations.

Class Networking Software

Depending on your institution, you may have access to a networked courseware program like Daedalus, WebCT, CourseInfo, etc.. If so, you will have a quick and easy way to get started with real-time discussion.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

IRC channels allow students to use the Internet in order to engage in real-time conversations. You'll need an IRC client and the address of an IRC server. Once you log onto the IRC server, you'll probably want to create a separate channel for your class. You'll also want to spend a few minutes ahead of time practicing the logistics of IRC and getting a sense of how your students might use the environment. You should also know that many IRC-like forums are becoming available through Web chat features. You can get more information at

Undernet's Internet Relay Chat Information: This page has well-presented explanations, tutorials, and resources.
EFNet's WWW Page: The EFNet is the largest IRC network in the world.

A Beginner's Guide to IRC: A short introduction that is useful for the basics, including links to other useful IRC sites.

MOOs, MUDs, MUSHs, and MUCKs The most common of these environments used in writing classes are MOOs. In addition to allowing real-time conversations, these spaces provide text descriptions of the environments in which students are participating. A debate about affirmative action, for instance, might be held in a space that was set up to resemble the board room of a major corporation. You'll want to find a client to access these spaces and spend some time getting familiar with the workings of MOOs. Also be prepared for some initial play and distraction as students get accustomed to the environment. For more information see

Diversity University's Cybercomp Page: A great spot for information about MU*s.

Connections MOO

Information about this educational MOO.

LinguaMOO: The home page for this educational MOO provides information about the LinguaMOO and MOO server and client software.