Text-based conferencing can be both asynchronous and synchronous. It is thus subject to the same wide variation as the online audio and video-conferencing methods. Synchronous text-based approaches are highly popular among online users generally owing to their ability to bring together special-interest groups from around the world without cost. In academic environment (AE), however, synchronous chat methods are less widely used, owing in part to the problems of arranging for working adults in different time zones to join a discussion group simultaneously. Instant text messaging is more popular among AE users in view of the choice it provides between responding to a message immediately (synchronous communication) or after a delay (asynchronous). The different synch and asynch approaches are likely to become more widely used in parallel with one another, as they are integrated in individual product packages. The following comparison stresses the chat and instant messaging features of five (5) integrated conferencing products. By reviewing a further five (5) products that provide text-based instant messaging (IM). The functionality of these products in AE contexts is stressed, in relation to their comparative costs, complexity, control, clarity, technical framework, and other functional options.
By: Mustafa Man and Mohd Yazid Md. Saman
The internet is made up of millions of computers linked together around the world in such a way that information can be sent from any computer to any other 24 hours a day. These computers can be in homes, schools, universities, government departments, or businesses small and large. They can be any type of computer and be single personal computers or workstations on a school or a company network. The internet is often described as 'a network of networks' because all the smaller networks of organizations are linked together into the one giant network called the internet. All computers are pretty much equal once connected to the internet; the only difference will be the speed of the connection which is dependent on your Internet Service Provider and your own modem. There are a lot of internet based tools that we can categories them in several specialize tools like browser, chat & instant messaging, communications, connectivity, download managers, email, file sharing, and File Transfer protocol (FTP). Here, we will focus on chat & instant messaging and communication. Instant messaging requires the use of a client program that hooks up an instant messaging service and differs from e-mail in that conversations are then able to happen in real time. Most services offer a presence information feature, indicating whether people on one's list of contacts are currently online and available to chat. This may be called a 'Buddy List'. In early instant messaging programs, each letter appeared as it was typed, and when letters were deleted to correct typos this was also seen in real time. This made it more like a telephone conversation than exchanging letters [1].
In modern instant messaging programs, the other party in the conversation generally only sees each line of text right after a new line is started. Most instant messaging applications also include the ability to set a status message, roughly analogous to the message on a telephone answering machine. Popular instant messaging services on the public Internet include MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk and Skype. These services owe many ideas to an older (and still popular) online chat medium known as Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Instant messaging typically boosts communication and allows easy collaboration. In contrast to e-mails or phone, the parties know whether the peer is available. Most systems allow the user to set an online status or away message so peers get notified whenever the user is available, busy, or away from the computer. On the other hand, people are not forced to reply immediately to incoming messages. This way, communication via instant messaging can be less intrusive than communication via phone, which is partly a reason why instant messaging becomes more and more important in corporate environments. Also, the fact that instant messages typically get logged in a local message history closes the gap to the persistent nature of e-mails, facilitating quick, safe, and persistent exchange of information such as URLs or document snippets, which can be a pain when done using inappropriate media such as phone.
Chat and Instant Messaging, being the top choice for Web activities, tells us important pieces of information to consider refer to figure1. Instant messenger service is becoming a preferred method of communication between teens and their friends. The implication of this type of non-verbal and non-personal communication affects how teens feel comfortable expressing themselves and what types of messages they may be most responsive to [2].
The younger generation is not the only group using IM. The Radicati Group expects the number of IMs sent daily to grow from 13.9 billion in 2005 to 46.5 billion in 2009. According to the 2004 Pew study How Americans Use Instant Messaging, more than fifty million Americans use IM, with 24 percent of them reporting that they use it more frequently than e-mail. In addition, although the majority of IM usage today is personal, many analysts’ findings indicate that corporate users compose the fastest-growing segment of IM-ers. The Radicati Group estimates that by the end of 2005, there will be 362 million corporate IM users (of which only 42 million will be using enterprise-only IM systems), affecting 85 percent of all companies in North America. IDC researchers predict that business users will make up nearly half of the 506 million IM users it expects to be online by 2006 [3].
IM CRITERIA
Instant messaging (IM) is a method of synchronous communication that is rapidly developing from being a means of entertainment for computer users and romance seekers to a legitimate method of remote communication in business and academic environment (AE). Because bandwidth and the costs of appropriate hardware for voice and video communication still represent barriers for many AE users, text messaging remains a useful method of computer-based synchronous communication [4]. As IM gains in popularity as an AE tool, it is important to establish evaluation criteria for the variety of available IM applications. The criteria applied in this study were divided into two groups:
1) Basic features useful in AE, including:
ease of installation and availability of product support;
speed of download on a high-speed connection;
technical competence required to use the product;
administrative options (e.g. ability to screen users and ignore unwanted invitations; create a private chat room; locate other users; archive instant messaging conversations);
status indicators regarding personal and other users’ availability; and
Overall chat window readability.
2) Useful features not essential in AE, including.
participants’ ability to update their personal profiles; accept chat from contacts not on a personal
address list; send and receive files;
support for webcam co-browsing, and online audio activities;
availability of audio and other alerting signals; and
Interoperability with other multiple IM services.
TRIALS OF FREE PRODUCTS
AOL Messenger (AOL-IM).
The latest version of this popular product provides a full set of IM features useful to the AE student and teacher. Its interface has a simple but professional look that provides a variety of personal customization features such as audio and text alerts, virus-checking on file transfer, privacy options, status indicator, mail notification, formatting and visual display options. Drawbacks are that the product is proprietary and lacks interoperability, preventing users from receiving messages from contacts that use other popular IM tools. This shortcoming obliges the user to persuade their contacts to adopt the AOL-IM product also [5].
MSN Messenger
It is an IM program that provides notification when contacts are online. In the latest version, messages can be sent and chat initiated with up to four contacts simultaneously. The product provides adequate text messaging and file-transfer options. It features large, easily recognized icons and menus that simplify tasks such as the addition of contacts to address lists. As with AOL-IM, buddies can be organized into groups, and moved or copied from one group to another by a simple drag-and-drop method. Because contact lists are stored on the MSN servers, they are accessible from any Messenger-equipped computer. Unfortunately, the full contact list is permanently displayed, and this can be annoying if the list is lengthy. Users cannot make themselves invisible or limit file-transfer capabilities to specific contacts. However, they can block all contacts from seeing that they are online. They can also provide a list of others who have added them to their contact lists, and can require others to obtain permission before doing so. The product requires more memory than other products tested in this study, and lacks interoperability with other IM products [6].
Yahoo! Messenger
It is a popular instant messaging (IM) client and protocol provided by Yahoo!. Yahoo! Messenger is provided free of charge and can be downloaded and used with a generic "Yahoo! ID" which also allows access to other Yahoo! services, such as Yahoo! Mail, where users can be automatically notified when they receive new email. Yahoo Instant Messenger also includes a security feature which allows the user to be "invisible" to whomever they choose; however, this feature is easily bypassed by using Buddy Spy, a free third party application. This product renamed to "Yahoo! Messenger with Voice" with features like drag-and-drop photo sharing ,drag-and-drop file sharing, PC-to-PC calling, Voicemail, Ringtones, Yahoo! 360 integration, Pop-up Contact Cards, Spam Reporting, New tabs, New emoticons, Archive updates, LiveWords (Beta) Chat, Webcam and Conference chat [7].
Skype
(IPA pronunciation: /skajp/, rhymes with type and hype) is a proprietary peer-to-peer Internet telephony (VoIP) network, founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, the creators of KaZaA and competing against established open VoIP protocols like SIP, IAX, or H.323. The Skype Group is headquartered in Luxembourg with offices also in London and Tallinn. The system has a reputation for working across different types of network connections (including firewalls and NAT) because voice packets are routed by the combined users of the free desktop software application. Skype users can speak to other Skype users for free. Skype also has paid services allowing users to call traditional telephone numbers (SkypeOut), receive calls from traditional phones (SkypeIn), and receive voicemail messages. The basic computer-to-computer service allows users to speak, to send instant messages or to send files to one another from their computers via the Internet at no cost. Conferences of up to five users are supported [8].
Google Talk
It is a service offered by Google for Voice over IP and instant messaging. Google Talk beta was released on August 24, 2005 and consists of both a service and a client used to connect to the service. Unlike some other instant messaging services, Google Talk uses an open protocol, XMPP, for the IM part, and it encourages the use of clients other than their own in connecting to the Google Talk service. Google has announced that a major goal of the Google Talk service is interoperability. Google Talk uses Jabber and XMPP to provide real-time extensible messaging and presence events, including offline messaging (only through non-Google clients like Adium). On January 17, 2006, Google enabled server-to-server communications, federating itself with any Jabber server that supports the dialback protocol. Google reports that they are working on adding new features, and many clues found within Google Talk's Privacy Policy suggest Google Talk will support file transfers. Google has a good track record of following up on user suggestions in their Gmail product. Unlike with Gmail, Google is not disclosing what features they are working on in general, although a FAQ states that they are working on adding rich text formatting features. As part of Google's 5% acquisition of AOL on December 20, 2005, Google Talk users will be able to communicate with AOL's market-leading AIM instant messaging service. Google Talk users will not require an AIM screen name in order to communicate with AIM users [8].
UTILIZING FREE IM FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
IM As A Learning & Collaboration Tools
Today’s students entering higher education have grown up with technologies like video games, cell phones, microcomputers, and the Internet. In fact many, if not most, college students are younger than the first microcomputer. Students are more technology-literate and Internet-savvy than ever, and they use technology in ways that weren’t even imagined a decade ago. Their fluency with technology is not even a question. The bigger issue may instead be their demand for the integration of technology into their learning. This is especially important as more and more institutions, programs, and courses move to an online or blended environment. If students come to us with PDAs and cell phones . . . and spend hours on Instant Messenger, we should use what they know as the starting place for their educational experience. — Newton Smith, “Teaching as Coaching: Helping Students Learn in a Technological World,” EDUCAUSE Review (2002).
A vital technology for this generation is instant messaging or “IM,” for short. IM is one of the simplest forms of synchronous online communications available. It allows two, and sometimes more, computer users to communicate across a network connection. For the most part, the communication is text-based, although many IM networks currently provide facilities to allow for audio and even video. IM is thus an ideal technology for today’s students; students who have, as Jason Frand has noted, an “information-age mindset.” Frand identified ten attributes that reflect the values and behaviors of this mindset. The following four can been seen as directly relating to the use of IM by this younger generation: (1) computers aren’t considered to be technology; (2) the Internet is better than television; (3) multitasking is a way of life; and (4) staying connected is essential [9]. Much of the research into IM that is non-work-related has been based on its use by the younger generation. This research has focused on socialization, including social presence and social interactions among users. In addition to socialization, non-work-related uses of IM include event planning and project collaboration [10].
Within the educational environment, IM has made its way to several college/university library Web sites in the form of online reference desks. IM is also being looked at by student affairs professionals, who need to understand the impact this technology is having not only on their students but also on their institution’s employees. Admission counselors are becoming aware that their clients, entering freshmen, are likely to prefer to contact an institution of higher education with questions via IM rather than by phone. One example is Boston University, whose admissions counselors use IM to field prospective students’ questions about admissions procedures, college life, and their application status. Students are definitely bringing IM to school, with millions of them using it daily, primarily as a social tool. But with IM embedded into virtual classroom applications and Web-based learning management systems, IM is now becoming a learning tool as well as a social tool [11].
E-Advising Using IM
E-advising at Center for Advising Retention and Transition Services (CARTS)
University of Michigan-Flint offer the option of working with an academic advisor on-line. The advantages of quicker responses from the advisors, ability to handle multiple students, no more waiting in line, no appointment necessary via IM [12]. The academic advising process is a collaborative effort between the student and the academic advisor.
Role of the Advisor
The advisor’s role is to support and nurture students as they pursue their educational goals. This is done by answering questions about academic policies and procedures, clarifying degree requirements, helping to develop plans and strategies for completing those requirements, as well as offering information about various resources and opportunities that are available on campus.
Role of the Student
Students are ultimately responsible for knowing their degree requirements. These are listed in the catalog. Advisors are able to clarify any gray areas. The student’s job is to come to each advising appointment prepared. Students should have an outline of the classes they plan to take so the advisor can confirm if these are the best, most efficient choices. By working together, the advisor and student can create a clear path to degree completion by using e-advising with IM.
IM As Clock-In Tools For Staff
Many people leave their instant messenger program open while working on their computers, and when the inspiration hits, pop into discussions. It's as if there's a party going on inside your workstation, and you can choose to join the party or not. It's a party that exists free of cultural signifiers other than words. Sound like an inappropriate use of your work time?. Fear not, the world of IRCs extends beyond the traditional and ill-reputed chat rooms. Instant messengers can be a viable alternative to e-mail in the workplace. Because the exchange of information is so fast, Instant messengers are often a more effective way of getting quick answers to questions, and they can eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth exchanges of e-mail. Providing the other party is logged on, communication occurs virtually in real-time. If you are logged on, but away from your desk, remember to use the "I'm Away" function, and your messaging partner won't feel ignored. The main drawback of this type of communication is that in order for the instant messaging to mimic an actual conversation, both individuals must be logged on simultaneously and have a comparable typing speed. Of course, it is possible to wonder if it wouldn't be easiest to get up from your desk, leave your office, and walk down the hall to ask your coworker that question.
IM as Decision Making Tools
Research into at-work use of IM shows that most users feel positive about it. They report that IM improves their productivity and teamwork, saves time on tasks, and provides relief from the daily grind. In early 2004, IBM stated that its employees were sending more than three million IMs a day thus speeding up the decision-making process from days or weeks to minutes. IBM reported that IM had reduced telephone use by 4 percent, reduced the load on mail servers, increased responsiveness and collaboration, and improved employee productivity and teamwork. Similarly, Genelle Hung, senior analyst for the Radicati Group, noted: “Instant Messaging has tremendous potential across the enterprise, from improving employee communication and collaboration to providing better customer service at lower costs [3].”
EVALUATION OF IM
The following tables (table 1 and 2) compare general and technical information for a number of instant messaging clients [8]. Table shows that almost IM software can support same features but if we compare for the advanced feature like conferencing features, Yahoo! Messengers is the top one. If comparison based on number of users, American Online (AOL-IM) is the highest (refer table 3).
Table 1: Information on what features each of the clients support
Software | Toolkit | Encryption | File transfer | Graphical smiley | Unicode (UTF-8) | Built-in games | Themes/skins | Plug-in system | Third-party add-ons | Scripting | Message Logging |
W32 | No | Yes | Yes | ? | Partial | Yes | No | Yes | |||
W32 | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | |
W32 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |||
Qt/KDE,W32 | Yes (Skype-to-Skype) | Yes | Yes | Partial | No | No | Yes | Yes | |||
W32; | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Table 2: Information on what advanced conferencing features each of the clients support.
Software | Audio chat | Multi-person audio chat | Video chat | Multi-person video chat | Whiteboard sharing | SMS (mobile) messaging |
Yes | ? | Yes | ? | ? | Yes | |
Yes | No | No | No | No | No | |
Yes | No | Yes | ? | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | ? | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Table 3: Number of users
Software | Number Of Users |
53 million active users (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 195 million total (January 2003). | |
13.5 million | |
29 million active (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 155 million total (April 2005). | |
45 million total (September 2005). | |
21 million active (September 2005). |
The chat/instant messaging products with the highest ratings in our comparisons to date are AOL Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. Each has a wide range of features, while Yahoo has a possible advantage in terms of the number of features. As the synchronous and asynchronous functions of online conferencing methods merge within individual software packages, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the ideal product for specific AE functions. A product may have a good synchronous audio feature but a mediocre messaging facility or vice versa. In addition, new products continually emerge, and old ones go out of business. In selecting products as the standards for AE delivery, it is often preferable to identify good stand-alone applications that can be used in parallel with one another. This approach allows the educator to replace individual products if needed, without causing serious inconvenience to the student. Over time, it is likely that conferencing products with multiple integrated functions will become less popular, in the same way as the integrated ‘tape-slide’ machines of the 1970s fell out of flavor because of their relative cumbersomeness and inconvenience.
CONCLUSION
IM is a relatively simple form of communication. It is also by its very nature a collaborative communications tool. This collaborative nature is what makes IM ideal for educational and learning environments. With IM playing such a large role in the communication, interactivity, and socialization skills of today’s younger generation, lower or higher education leaders must seriously consider its application and inclusion within students’ learning activities. The use of such collaborative communications tools within courses and course activities creates a more engaging learning environment for students, most of who have already adopted the readily available IM tool and are using it prolifically. IM has powerful applications and incredible potential within educational and learning environments. It is making inroads in both business and everyday life and is knocking at the door of education.
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