Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Linear text display tool - MSN Messenger Service




This is free social networking software for instant messaging and can be used for synchronous discussions. The learners will be expected to download and install this software in their computers using an email id.  This could be viewed as cumbersome by learners who are not technology savvy. Once the software is installed then each participant from the group will have to find and add the others into their list of friends. While the messages will come in as they are entered, the individuality of colour and font of text will allow for quick recognition of each participant. Again it would be something each participant has to change in the settings. There is facility to use emoticons, exchange files (audio, video and text), use microphone to make video or audio ‘calls’, use webcam (for one to one discussions) and discussions can be saved by each participant.


 MSN chat window where additional people can be invited to join the chat.

Within WebCT chat up to 12 individuals could be facilitated in participation of a discussion and it is just possible to have these numbers in the MSN. Each participant has to be invited to join the discussion window by the facilitator. Some issues that were a problem within WebCT and Addonchat are solved when using software like MSN. The participants would have to have some guidance in installing and using the software. Considering each participant can save the discussion as a file on their computer, the facilitator does not have to edit and put up notes of the discussion, thus saving time. The facilitator would more or less emulate the role she has in a face to face discussion.

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