Nursing Informatics Self & Others 4 Learning Activity: The BSN Nursing Program at Kwantlen University College

Nursing Informatics at Kwantlen University College

..::Nursing 4130: Self & Others 4::..

Group Chats and IRC

Overview:

“Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is an Internet service that allows users to carry on a conversation in “real time”, much the same as any other conversation. All participants must be connected to the Internet at the same time, which distinguishes this service from others such as e-mail and Usenet news groups. Chats may be conducted privately between two people or among a small group. A statement or response is typed by the user and is almost instantly available to others connected to the chat service.”

- (Mascara, Czar & Hebda, 1999, p. 26).

Web-based chat rooms and IRCs are quickly becoming a popular vehicle for communicating with others on the Internet. In essence, a “real time” typed conversation, chats provide both private and group chats with like-minded people from anywhere on the globe. The most common form of chat on the web is Java program based, which necessitates Java connectivity in the user’s web browser. ICQ offers an alternative, as does AOL Messenger, with unique stationary consoles for connecting with chosen users, also in ‘real time” conversations and file sharing. Over the past five years, several Nursing related chats have been initiated. Nurses from all around the world can “chat” together in these special “chat rooms” to share stories, experiences, tips, news, and so on. The only obstacles are compatible connectivity and language. In the near future, good quality video software packages will be the norm, enabling a visual connection with the user on the other end, as well as voice input.

Ends In View

This learning activity is intended to give the learner the opportunity to:

1. Understand the process of initiating and participating in group chats and IRCs with peers.

2. Participate actively in planned group chats with peers and the global nursing community.

3. Recognize the potential complications and issues of participating in chats with strangers online.

4. Recognize the potential advantages of group chats for professional dialogue, collaboration, information sharing and mutual support.

In Preparation:

1. Read: What is ICQ? http://www.icq.com/products/whatisicq.html

2. Take The ICQ Tour: http://www.icq.com/icqtour/

3. Explore the established ICQ Health related chat groups listed at: http://www.icq.com/icqlist/HealthandMedicine/

4. Read: Martin, J. (1998). Chatroom Etiquette. http://chatting.about.com/library/weekly/aa100898.htm

In Practice:

1. Establish an ICQ account by signing up at: http://www.icq.com/download/ and participate in some health related chats.

2. Visit and Participate in a chat or forum at either:

a) RN Central: Where nurses gather on the Web available at: http://www.rncentral.com/

b)Web-Nurse various forums for nursing students and practicing RNs available at: http://www.web-nurse.com/forum/default.asp

c)SNURSE-L ICQ group especially for student nurses at: http://snurse-l.org/icq.html

d) Cyber-Nurse available at: http://www.cybernurse.com/

Share your chat experience impressions with your peers and faculty instructor.

3. Set up a mutual chat time to meet in the Kwantlen Nursing Informatics Community chat room with four or five of your classmates. Sign up to join the community HERE, and meet at the scheduled time to discuss the use of chats and IRC in Nursing practice, education, and research. Report back to the class about your experience.

In Reflection:

1. Reflect on your experiences using ICQ, the web-based Nursing chats; and the Kwantlen chatroom. Did you find the resultant conversations enjoyable? Stimulating? Is this an experience that you would find value in continuing?

2. How can chat groups be used to enrich nursing education, practice, research and leadership?

References:

Cyber-Nurse http://www.cybernurse.com/

ICQ Health related chat groups http://www.icq.com/icqlist/HealthandMedicine/

ICQ Tour: http://www.icq.com/icqtour/

Mascara, C., Czar, P. & Hebda, T. (1999). Internet resource guide for nurses and health care professionals. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.

Martin, J. (1998). Chatroom Etiquette. http://chatting.about.com/library/weekly/aa100898.htm

RN Central: Where nurses gather on the Web http://www.rncentral.com/

SNURSE-L.ICQ group http://snurse-l.org/icq.html

Web-Nurse forums at: http://www.web-nurse.com/forum/default.asp

What is ICQ? http://www.icq.com/products/whatisicq.html

World-Nurse: Nursing around the World available at: http://world-nurse.com/

Collaborative Nursing Program in BC at Kwantlen University College 1999 - 2004
Design & Content by © June Kaminski, RN MSN PhD St - Last Updated: June 15^th 2003
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