Roles we play

There are different ways of being involved in an online chat session. What you need to do before and during the chat will depend on your 'role' in the chat.

You may 'take on' one or more of the following roles:

• Organiser
• Moderator
• Participant
• Guest

The organiser

• Determines the purpose, time and audience
• Decides if the chat is to be open or closed (password protected)
• Advertises the event
• Provides background information about the guest
• Organises practice sessions for guest and participants

Checklist for organisers

The moderator

• Reads the Moderator's help guide on operating a chat room located in the chat room's help section
• Tests the room
• Opens the chat room just prior to starting time
• Posts a welcome message and introduces the topic or guest
• Welcomes new participants and gives them a quick update where necessary
• Warns and removes participants for inappropriate postings
• Chooses when the chat is moderated
• Models appropriate 'chatiquette'
• Helps maintain a 'flow' of chat. If too many questions are asked, the moderator tells the participants to wait. Or if discussion is stilted, the moderator prompts or adds stimulating questions. (read Strategies)
• Keeps an archive of the chat
• Thanks the online guest and participant and closes the chat room
• Contacts the guest for a debriefing discussion if needed.

Checklist for moderators

The participant

• Posts an introductory message
• Posts comments and questions that promote good discussion
• Follows 'chatiquette'
• Practices in the Playground chat room if they need to learn how to use chat
• Reads the conversation and notes questions already asked and their reply
• Keeps an archive of the chat if required
• Posts a goodbye message and exits the room when the chat is over

Checklist for participants

The guest

• Practices in the chat room if necessary
• Ensures he/she knows the purpose, time and audience
• Begins on time (not before) and posts an introductory message
• Models appropriate 'chatiquette'
• Asks the moderator or organiser for assistance if needed (whispering mode)
• Follows directions from the moderator
• Posts a goodbye message and exits the chat room at the end

Checklist for guests