In Blackboard, go to COMMUNICATIONS > VIRTUAL CHAT.

You may start a new thread or read other people comments and add your say to an ongoing discussion.

Alternatively, if you want to limit the exchange to other members of you group, go to GROUP PAGES >
select your group and click on VIRTUAL CHAT

• A chat-room is the ideal method for spot-testing. The teacher can ask the group to brainstorm to offer the solution to a problem, a grammar question, or, while used simultaneously with the Web, to verify the comprehension of a particular text.
• You can organize games where quickness  is essential, turning it into a sort of Jeopardy online. Instead of money, you can hand out bonus points for a quiz.
• Students can engage in pre-set activities, such as asking each other questions, discussing topics, repeat dialogues etc.