Chat (Virtual Classroom)

Blackboard calls its chat client the Virtual Classroom. It requires that JAVA be enabled in your browser. You can check in Internet Explorer under Tools/Internet Options to view the settings. Once you are in Internet Options, click on the Advanced tab. Down the list of settings, you will see Microsoft VM, which is the Microsoft version of Java.

Some versions of Windows XP do not have Java installed. You can go to Sun Microsystems, download, and install Java from their site. Click on Get It Now to start the process and follow the on-screen directions.

Click on the Communication button to enter the communication area.

Now click on the Virtual Classroom link.

Now click on the Enter Virtual Classroom link. This may appear as a direct link from your menu rather than a sub-menu. It will work the same either way.

There are two different "flavors" of Chat. You instructor will tell you which you are using. To enter the chat session, click Join.

If Chat does not open:

• Java either may not present or not enabled. See Step 1 above to resolve the issue.)
• You have a pop-up blocker enabled. Disable the blocker, or add the http://blackboard.cui.edu site to the list that allow pop-ups.

If all is working with your computer, you will see the window below.

You will type your comments into the area labeled Compose near the bottom of the screen. In this example, "Welcome to the class" has been typed in. When you are done typing, press SEND in the lower right corner to post your comment. It will appear in the white box area just above the typing window, along with the comments of your classmates and instructor.

When the session is over, click on the X in the upper right of the window to close the session.