Documentation:Social Web Tools/Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging

Description: [from Wikipedia] Instant messaging (IM) is a form of Real-time computing communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via devices connected over a network such as the Internet.

Examples:

• AIM - AOL Instant Messenger
• Windows Live Messenger
• Yahoo! Messenger
• Meebo

Uses:

Instant messaging (IM) clients are tools that make real-time text-based communication possible between two or more active participants at the same time, using the Internet.

UBC In Practice:

• UBC Learning Commons:

CLC Help Desk Meebo chat connects students online with CLC Help Desk Assistants on site at the Chapman Learning Commons in the Ike Barber Learning Centre.

• UBC Learning Commons/ AMS Tutoring: uses IM to support their 1:1 online tutoring service.
• UBC Library uses IM to respond to reference questions.

Learn More:

Wikipedia provides an extensive IM Comparison Chart that shows which features are offered by which instant messaging clients and the type of communication that is possible using one client over another.