The channel may be local to that server or connected via other servers to form a world-wide discussion. If students only have access to asynchronous dial-in and accounts on a central computer, chat can still be used via a chat client on that central computer. Others may participate via direct internet connections and clients on their individual computers. Check with your computer services group on your campus, a chat server may already be in place. MOO s and MUD s, software that had its origins in the role-playing game arena, have been used in an educational setting to provide a gathering place for people to discuss and interact.
Private conversations are also possible.
A MOO or MUD server is required to create this environment. These servers broadcast information over specified channels on the internet. The user receives this information via a special server software package or one of the newer Internet browsers. Currently the best example of this technology is PoingCast, but there are others in the market. The telephone has become a standard fixture in our society and a number of information tools have sprung up around it.