WebCT Help

Using WebCT Chat Rooms

The Chat tool in WebCT functions in much the same way as other chat tools do, with the exception that you will only be able to chat with your teacher or other members of the class, or others taking WebCT classes at Wayne State. It's important to remember that, unlike the discussion tool, the chat tool requires users to be online at the same time. So, if your instructor requires that you take part in a chat at a certain time, you won't be able to see any of the chat activity if you are late and everyone else has left the chat.

Click the Chat Icon (you may have to click Communication Tools first). This may take a moment to load. You will see a page listing four individual chat rooms, one general chat room for your course, and a general chat room for all courses. Your instructor should give you directions on which chat room to use.

Click on the chat room your instructor has told you to use. This will take a moment to load. If a window pops up asking whether you want to trust the signed applet distributed by "www.webct.com," click Yes.

In the chat window, you should see your user name as well as the names of others in the chat. To send a message, type the message in the box at the bottom of the chat window (where it says "Enter Your Message Below"), and hit Enter. Your message should appear in the chat window. If you wish to send a message privately to a person in the chat, select the name from the list of users logged on, then type your message and hit Enter. Remember to deselect the name, or your messages will continue to go only to that person.

To leave the chat, click Quit.

If the chat doesn't open when you click on it, there may be problems with your browser, a pop-up blocker, or your computer or system security. Refer to the Technology Requirements page for more information.

Instructors have the ability to record all activity in chat rooms 1 through 4.