Learning Activity 4-D-1

Chat Facilitation

[Small Group Chat]

15 points

In your small group, choose a time to work together in chat as a group. Take turns "hosting" the chat session. Each person will act as facilitator for a 10 minute portion of the chat. When you are in the facilitator role, work to be sure everyone is participating and also following the guidelines set up.

Person One (the person whose first initial is closest to the beginning of the alphabet): Welcome everyone to the chat, and provide a reminder of the ground rules you'll be following today. (An example would be a symbol such as ? if someone wants to type a question.) Encourage everyone to participate in the conversation.

After a brief chance for everyone to say hello, move the conversation forward to the first question: "What are some of the benefits of chats discussed in the readings (text and article)?" Ask for personal instances of positive chat experiences.

Person Two (the next first initial alphabetically): Ask the group to discuss some possible drawbacks of chat mentioned in the readings and any related personal instances.

Person Three: Ask the group to share ways that chat can be used effectively and how they anticipate using chat in their course.

Person Four (or Three, if there are only three in your group): Wrap up the conversation, adding a summary statement if appropriate. Address any final questions and thank everyone for their participation.

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