Using IChat
Instant Messaging Software
Dean McKinney
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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.
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Who Can You Connect With?
 Bonjour - safe connections inside the school
 Division Chat Server - safe connections with staff
 AOL Instant Messaging - global users
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Getting Started
Steps Involved:
Configure IChat software
 IChat-->Preferences
Add A Buddy (request)
Invite To Chat
 (ie text, audio, or video)
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Starting An IChat.
Select someone to chat with using your Buddy List
Online
Method of
Communication
Add to Buddy List
Dark text indicates person is online
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Starting An IChat
Invitation as it appears when received:
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Can elect to receive or decline. Can also BLOCK users from
sending you messages.
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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.
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Uses For Instant Messaging
 Collaboration
 Team Teaching
 Guest Speakers
 Mentoring
 Student Projects
 Instant feedback
 Avoid phone charges
 Can be fun!
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
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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
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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
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Questions?
http://learningservices.gsacrd.ab.ca
Learning Technology Services - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools