Instant Messaging has become a very popular tool in Internet communication, whether we like it or not 
In the LCC classes that I teach IM is used as a tool for what I like to call “Virtual Office Hours.” Virtual office hours allow me to hold specific times that students know I will be online to assist them via instant messaging. . What follows is some basic rules and etiqutte. on using IM to help better facilitate communication.
These tips will hopefully help you make the most of the virtual office hours I have set up using Instant Messaging software, check the contact link for guaranteed IM times.
Instant Message Tips
0: Go ahead start the chat!
Feel free to start a conversation, if you have something to say. Please don’t be offended if you see me online and I don’t initiate a conversation with you. Due to the length of time spent online I may be logged into IM, but I usually don’t start conversations with all enrolled students as that can be too many conversations for me to start 
.
1: Introduce yourself
When instant messaging for the first time – politely introduce yourself and don’t just launch into conversation. In fact it might be worth introducing yourself or the first few IM conversations. A good introduction might include your name and the class you are in.
2: Ask if there is time to chat
I may be halfway through something, about to go to bed or could have 37 other IM conversations going on at the same time. Check out if it is convenient for me to chat – if it’s not ask if there might be a better time to try? Check the office hours site for guaranteed availability
3: Keep your initial IM conversations brief and to the point
When IM-ing, attempt to get to the point and ask the question with regard to the course and offer a webpage or error statement to assist with the trouble.
4: End the conversation
Be sure to be thankful for the time of the session and bring the conversation to a definite end. There is nothing worse than those awkward silences at the end of conversations when you don’t know if the other person is done or not.
5: Try using words like “thank you” and “please”
Being polite will get you a long way with online interactions. One of the fastest ways to shut down an IM conversation is to be arrogant, rude or over familiar.
6: Don’t be too Demanding
Take a breath in conversations to allow me to ask more question of you. Don’t let an IM relationship get too one sided. While there is nothing wrong with asking question – one way to wear out a relationship in real life is to always be taking and never giving. IM relationships can be similar. Similarly if you’re a fast typist you might want to slow down and let me respond – try not to overwhelm the conversation with 10 comments for every 1 of mine.
7: Things to Remember
-Every conversation is logged and stored on the hard drive for later
retrieval
-If I’m in “away” mode, you can still type and leave me a message, and I will get it, but I may not respond until I’m able.
-If YOU see that I’m in “online” mode… this means I’m between jobs, doing admin work, or just feel like chatting, so feel free to say hi and chat with me. I probably won’t initiate chat.
Footnotes:
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