Chat rooms typically are presented as a small text area for entry of a message, and a larger area for display of messages. The screen may also show help information and buttons for actions such as private messages. Teachers should practice use of their chosen tool so they are familiar with it.

The reported benefits of Internet chat include: increased student motivation, better development of interactive competence, greater student participation, and more student control.

One of they often-noticed benefits of Internet chat is greater participation by students. Students who do not participate as much as others in the classroom, as well as those less able, tend to participate more in Internet chat sessions. Many factors have been identified.
  • The computer interaction is a situation where many shy and quiet students feel comfortable.
  • Participants feel more equal in the virtual space despite differences in status or age.
  • Intimidating interpersonal behavior such as frowning is missing in text-only Internet chat.
  • Students also have a little more time to compose a comment than when competing in the classroom for more limited time and having to take turns in speaking.
  • Participants also may have more access to reference materials and assistance from teachers and fellow students.
  • Students often feel more control because the teacher does not have to manage the classroom interaction as closely, such as the students not having to put up their hand and wait to be called upon to speak.

Teachers do often encounter difficulties in using Internet chat technologies.
  • If the school does not provide a chat facility, teachers may have difficulty finding a suitable chat room; some public chat services do exist which are oriented toward specific educational uses, while other services allow creation of a public or private chat or virtual meeting space.
  • Some students may have difficulty typing, and this can cause problems in their expressing themselves and in missing conversation which takes place while they are focused on their typing.
  • Students may have trouble following the discussion because of the different environment, because of problems with their user interface, and often multiple threads of conversation become interwoven in the discussion.

The use of Internet chat tools can have benefits in the classroom, and with repeated use students tend to become more proficient in the usage and typing skills so the experience improves.

Chat technologies include:
A Really Simple Chat (ARSC)
Blackboard
Bravenet