Strategies

• 'For 30 seconds everyone type as many words as you can think of about the topic. Go'
  
  
• The 'Go' is effective for actually getting people started.
  
  
• Use 'Stop' to stop the text flow to direct everyone to read over what was typed. A good topic starter will set the scene, give a common vocabulary base and provide the guest and moderator with a snapshot of participants' understandings. Vary this icebreaker to suit the age group and interests of students.

Brainstorming chat

Similar to the Icebreaker strategy except participants type in a word that is associated with something typed on the screen. As the text moves on the idea is to type associated words of the latest input. Interesting to watch a group think together. Use short phrases or words only.

3 points read back

Described by Margaret Aspin, North Melbourne Institute of TAFE

This chat is good for tutorial type situations. It works best if there is someone in the moderator role (taking care of crowd control) and someone as the leader of the discussion (could be a guest speaker). A teacher could play both roles but it can get very hectic.

The topic is introduced by the speaker (teacher or guest). All conversation then flows around this point for 15-20 minutes. After that time, the moderator calls a halt and everyone stops typing (cf 'pens down'). Time is then allowed for people to scroll and read what has been posted, then more comments and questions can be added. The speaker introduces the second point and the process begins again.

Newbies free flowing chat (anything goes!)

It's important to let people play and greet each other socially. Once they've had a chance to share a joke and find out about where everyone lives etc the chat has more chance of being productive. Acknowledging that 3 minutes will be 'free flowing' gives permission for people to have a go and chat.

Meeting simulation chat

Run this chat session like a meeting with a chairperson and an agenda emailed beforehand or placed on an electronic whiteboard. This is valuable for regular chat sessions. Staff college principals have a weekly chat meeting in the Professional community website.

De Bono six thinking hats simulation

Provide a link to a description of the De Bono six thinking hats strategy then ask participants to put on colour hat/s to answer or comment on different topics. This works well with any strategy as long as the participants feel comfortable using the strategy and know its purpose.

'Goldfish' bowl chat

A number of designated 'panel members' discuss a topic with an audience listening in (watching). After a set time the audience is asked to reflect on what was discussed.

Character Chat

Students chat with the characters of a book they are studying. Other students, pre-service teachers or adults who are familiar with the novel could step into the role of the characters and make an interesting chat with students. Famous people or other 'characters' could be selected. Students in that character need to research their part prior to the chat.