What is Internet Messaging?

Internet messaging is a way to collaborate (talk to one another) online, using text, in real time with other people using the internet. To read more about instant messaging at Wikipedia, click here. We will use IM to have online virtual real-time meetings.

Internet chat platforms

There are various clients (platforms/ programmes) available for free download which will make this possible.

Yahoo Messenger:

As our group is using Yahoo groups as a collaborative tool,  we will also use Yahoo Messenger to talk online.  This programme can be downloaded free online. With Yahoo messenger you can also "talk" to someone using earphones and a microphone (PC to PC), so if you have a broadband connection, this can be a cheap way to communicate with people far (and near) from you. Yahoo messenger also keeps track of Microsoft Internet Messenger members and you can use either client to keep in touch. It does have a web interface (if you do not have it installed on your computer) at http://messenger.yahoo.com

Windows Live messenger

• How to use Windows Live Messenger: Download an instruction sheet

• If you want to use Windows Live messenger, you can download it from http://get.live.com/messenger/overview

• If you do not have a Windows Live ID, you can register here
  Get started now

Gabbly

Gabbly is an easy to use Chat window that does not need any registration or log-in.

• Simply add http://gabbly.com to the front of any website that you wnat to chat on

• Gabbly will add a chat window to your screen in which you can talk to others real time.

• Eg Click on http://gabbly.com/groups.yahoo.com/group/mathsliteracy.
  If you find yourself all alone, make sure that the group address (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mathsliteracy/ ) is in the topic window and refresh your browser window