Testing Out the New Ning Chat Module

I've added the chat module to the right-side of the network pages. Since this is a new feature, I wanted to solicit some feedback about it.

I'm getting an "unresponsive script" error on some pages when they load, which I believe has to do with the chat module. However, if I indicate to "continue," the chat module quickly loads. I'm also occasionally getting a message in the chat box that indicates I've been disconnected from chat and need to reload the page. I'm interested in your experiences with either of these two errors or anything else you see.

I've long wanted a chat feature from Ning. Let me know if you think this will be helpful.

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Permalink Reply by Britt Gow on August 30, 2008 at 1:29am

Hi Steve, I haven't had any error messages, but I haven't had any replies or discussions either? I think it would be a very useful feature at 'peak' times. Best of luck with it.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on August 30, 2008 at 5:06am

I see the word "Chat" but nothing else, just a long white space.

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Permalink Reply by Durff on August 31, 2008 at 12:05pm

frankly, if one gets this far (to classroom 2.0 ning) then one can more easily use Skype.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hargadon on September 1, 2008 at 11:33am

I agree that Skype is more usable and versatile, but you don't necessarily know someone's skype address if you see them online. I'm intrigued by this feature. In theory, it makes a ton of sense--I've wanted it ever since I could see someone was online, but had no easy way to ping them at that point. But the practical world can sometimes be different, and I wonder how much people will actually use the feature.

There are some networks that rely heavily on it, but they make it (I believe) a more prominent part of the site. Instead of placing it off to the side, it could be at the top of the middle section, and much more inviting. I'm not sure that's what people are here for, though.

I also can't tell yet if the chats are saved in any way. A log could be a useful part of the feature that might make it more appealing.

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Permalink Reply by Britt Gow on September 1, 2008 at 4:33pm

Hi Steve,
Part of the value of Classroom 2.0 for me is the ability to communicate with people in asynchrous time zones - there are a few occasions when I cross paths with virtual friends in parts of the US for example, and it is a real delight to be able to 'catch' them for a real-time chat. Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by Kevin W on September 2, 2008 at 5:26pm

Seems to work fine for me. I think a chat module is a great idea. Here are some problems, questions, and thoughts I had:

1. It does seem a bit slow before I see what I posted
2. The chat box is too small, maybe a separate chat page would also be nice, all message can come to the side bar module, but there should also be a way to open it up in a bigger page. Otherwise, it is very hard to keep track of when a few people are using it.
3. Maybe an irc module would be better if there is one available? That way we could have our own irc channel on freenode.net or other place?

4. I notice a search option also, does this mean that the chat logs are kept forever? Actually, I guess the search option, is to search for users :) But, are chat logs kept?

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on September 2, 2008 at 5:45pm

I agree with Kevin, the window is too small for multiple person chats...we're having to scroll up to catch what others are saying. Also I tried to IM a user whose icon was visable and nothing happened.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on September 2, 2008 at 5:56pm

Never mind Steve. Kevin and I found the BIG chat.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin W on September 2, 2008 at 10:28pm

Yes, I was just sitting on the page doing nothing, when suddenly this error popped up in the right-side chat box:

Our Apologies

You have been disconnected from the chat.

Please reload the page.

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Permalink Reply by ddeubel on September 3, 2008 at 1:30am

I agree with Kevin's comments.

I'd also suggest Chat is a different animal than skype or a video / audio chatroom.
We;'ve had chat on EFL Classroom 2.0 from the getgo and it has been used very much as a way for quick replies/advice. Example - where is that video about the guy with the banana? Or how can i upload? etc.....

But the ning chat I'm very disappointed in. Size, speed, overall functionality (for example, not being able to put up a video). But I do think that any network of a good size (like Classroom 2.0) should give space to this function.

I'd also like to welcome anyone who wants to help English language learners, welcome them to a "viral" chatroom. You can embed this one English Everywhere and hopefully it will spread and we can get more users. My hope is to create a chatroom where people can meet up , English learners and native speakers. One gets to meet interesting people, the other practice in their English. Please embed and link this chatroom if you can. HELP! Also a pretty cool chat beta application and the guy who developed it is onto something....portable, viral chat.....

Cheers everyone,

David
http://eflclassroom.ning.com

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Permalink Reply by Lynn on November 3, 2008 at 2:22pm

I have no idea if this is where I should post this...I'm giving it a try! I'm on a ning. website. There is chat box, which I've not been able to use and I would really like to be able to chat. I'm running Mozilla firefox with noscripts. Every page I go to on that site there are scripts for the chat that kick out with:

Allow http://XXXX.chat03.ningim.com:8080 (this site is chat02) same thing still kicks out.

The XXXX represents and number of combination's of letter and numbers, always 4. There must be like thousands of them. Do I need to go thru and allow them all. I have followed instructions on Ning help and I'm still unable to use this chat feature. Any suggestions or instruction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your help.