IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is the original form of chat. It does not require access to the WWW. It does requires access, in some form, to the internet
Chat is a synchronous form of CMC. Chat rooms are the virtual locations where chatting takes place. "Some chat rooms are set up by groups with specific interests while others are open to anybody."(Ealing Education Center) People go to chat rooms for a variety of reasons. Some include: meeting people, similar interests(education to movie trivia), social interaction, etc. Chat began with people typing their comments at the keyboard. Many still chat this way, however most services now offer voice and video capabilities so that you can see and hear the people you are chatting with.
Chatting is a way that students can communicate with others all over the world. There are many educational websites that offer people scheduled opportunities to chat with experts on whatever subject the site is dedicated to. There are other kid friendly sites that have chat rooms set up especially for kids of different ages. This helps protect children from elements in society that have bad intentions. The idea of identity is discussed on the Theoretical Issues Page(link below) and should be considered when letting students enter chat rooms.
Here are a couple of sites that offer kid safe chat rooms. They require registration to use and are moderated for safety.
http://www.gridclub.com http://www.kidchatters.com/
Find out how to be safe when chatting!
More kid friendly chat links and tons of other kid friendly stuff can be found at Yahooligans
There are many issues that have to be considered when discussing this form of CMC. Three main points are Identity, Gender and Community. More discussion of these issues can be found on the Theoretical Issues Page.