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Using Different Online Modalities

Experiment with as many different types of online communication as possible. You'll be using e-mail, but whenever possible try chat rooms, instant messaging, and discussion boards (also called "forums"). Other than what you're doing in eQuest, what other programs are you using online? Might you be able to use those programs in this eQuest project? Think about it.

People express themselves and their identities differently when using different online communication tools. Relationships and groups are different too. Experiment with as many different tools as you can. Even if a particular communication system feels uncomfortable for you at first, stick with it for a while. It may take some time to get used and appreciate it. Here are some articles you should look over:

- E-mail communication and relationships
- TextTalk: Communicating with typed text chat
- Subtlety in Multimedia Chat
- The Psychology of Avatars and Graphical Space (this one you can just browse)

In your paper, talk about what it was like using different communication tools. Which ones did you like and dislike? How come?How did you express yourself differently with these different tools? What did you learn about yourself by using these different methods, and how might those insights relate to the issue you are exploring in eQuest.

Creative Keyboarding Exercise
Since you'll be using e-mail for sure, here's an exercise I'd like you to try. First, read that article above about e-mail communication relationships, especially the section on "creative keyboarding" and "an e-mail makeover." Using as many of those creative keyboarding techniques as you can, compose an e-mail to an imaginary online companion. It doesn't have to be long, maybe three or four paragraphs. You can say whatever you like in the e-mail - be creative - but devote one paragraph to talking about the issue that you are exploring in eQuest. When you're done, e-mail this message to me.

There are many other types of communication tools. Some of them are really fascinating. Because they may require more sophisticated computer skills, you may decide not to use them. But if you're feeling adventurous, give them a try:

Avatar communities: In these communities, people use imaginary pictures to represent themselves, and they interact with others in an imaginary environment. See the article above about avatars and graphical space to learn more. At PalaceTools you can download and use the Palace software that I talk about in that article. Another popular avatar community is There.com

Blogs: Blogs are online journals in which you write about yourself and your ideas and get feedback from visitors who read your blog. The software also lets you read other people's blogs and give them feedback. At Blogger.com you can see examples of blogs and learn how to create your own.

Webcams: Webcams enable you to interact with people via online video. You would need a web camera and special software. There are lots of cameras and software out there. This web site reviews some of them.