What is IRC?

IRC is synchronous communication across the Internet, where users are logged on
simultaneously and “talk” to each other by typing text.  It is likely that in the
not-so-distant future IRC will be replaced with microphones and video conferencing,
where there is a picture and a voice.  However, in this moment few can afford the
luxuries of these items.

To use IRC, a program is necessary, and the software required depends on the
IRC application you wish to use.  There are chat-based web-sites, which often vary in the
software used, and some ESL sites, such as EF Englishtown
(http://www.englishtown.com/) and Dave’s ESL Cafe
(http://www.eslcafe.com/chat/chatpro.cgi), even have IRC interfaces already installed so
it is not necessary to download a program.  (Please note that students must have e-mail
accounts to first register with Dave’s ESL Cafe before using the chat room.)  IRC can
also be accessed through stand-alone programs, separate from the World Wide Web.
Two popular programs for this type of use are mIRC and PowWow.  An advantage to
PowWow is that it supports conferencing (a discussion between a small number of
people) and can also be used with a microphone.  To find a program suitable for you, see
http://alabanza.com/kabacoff/Inter-Links/irc/connect.html

The method of logging on depends on the program, but there are some
similarities.  Users usually are known by a nickname.  Once logged onto a chat program,
you must then join a channel (or “chat-room”).  The channel is the conversation taking
place, and there may be many different channels, each with a different topic.   Most
programs allow you to list the channels availabe, but often the names of the channels are
deceiving, and do not denote what the conversation truly is about.

Native speaker chats are likely not to be helpful to ESL students because there is
a great deal of slang, and as already mentioned, rudeness.  There is a solution to this
problem, though.  A teacher may be able to open a new channel which students then log
into, and may converse amongst themselves.  Also, students may wish to only eavesdrop
on native speakers, although care must be taken as to which channel is chosen in this
case as the conversation can be quite coarse in some chat-rooms.

IRC has some advantages for students.  First, the anonymity takes away the
inhibitions of shy speakers.  Second, “talking” through the computer is less threatening
since there is no one staring at the students, waiting for a reply.  Many students also find
it easier to write than speak, as it allows the few extra moments required to organize,
process and produce thoughts in English.  It also is a fun way to practice reading and
writing skills.

Two distinct disadvantages must be addressed as well.  There is lag on IRC,
which means that when text is entered, it takes anywhere from a few seconds to a few
minutes for it to appear on the screen.  Also, the teacher must be aware of how to use
IRC, and the computers must have the software installed to use IRC.  There are three
sites which are informative and answer most questions you may have about IRC.  They
are:

    Meta Chats
          http://www.2meta.com/chats

    English Language Institute Technology Tip of the Month--Chat Information
          http://osu.orst.edu/Dept/eli/april1997.html
 

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Activities

These are a few ideas for activities.  I am sure there are a number of possibilities
for IRC activities, however, I have only dabbled in IRC a bit.

2.15  Group Chat.  (All levels)
Open a new channel and give the students a topic to discuss.  Possible topics are:

• general discussion (if the class is talkative)
• a controversial issue (abortion, divorce, etc.)
• something that has happened in the news and is well-known by all (e.g., Olympics)
• everyday contexts (going shopping, going to the doctor, cooking, child care, etc.)
• differences between their home countries and Canada
• discussion of a grammar point taught recently in class that many students were having
• trouble with.

2.17   Movie Stars.  (All levels)
Each student takes the name of a movie star.  They are given an article with information
about that star a few days prior to the activity.  They must remember the information
about their stars, then interview each other in IRC.

2.18  Movie Review.  (Int/Adv)
Watch a movie in the class, then discuss it via IRC.  Did students like or dislike the
movie?  What did they like or dislike about the movie?  Would they recommend it to
someone else?

2.19  Native Chat.  (Int/Adv)
Students “listen” in to a native speaker IRC.  They should write down any words and
phrases they did not understand.
 
 
 

Copyright 1998, Adrienne Paton All Rights Reserved