Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Websites in CALL Essentials (Chap. 4)

MSN messenger (http://www.msn.com/defaultc.aspx)

When it comes to tools for communication and collaboration, MSN messenger is the last tool I would like to ignore, since it really provides people with a convenient way to communicate. It is very popular among people of all ages, especially among students in university. It is a mainly synchronous tool, but it can also have asynchronous functions seeing that it has e-mail, and also its newest revised version allows users to talk even if they are not at the same time. When you log into your MSN, it pops up a page consists of three parts: today's focus, your e-mail list, and the latest news around the world. Also the main page of MSN system provides diverse links with users, from auction to news, and from matchmaking (seek your girlfriend or boyfriend through net pals) to blogs. Most links are very useful for me!

Most people tend to think of MSN as a tool only for chatting. Indeed, its primary function is chatting. Nonetheless, users can still use them to do some serious business such as online conferences, discussion etc. You can deliver digital files to people whoever on your contact list. It also enables users to see each other through video cameras or listen to the other's voice through microphones. If my memory serves me right, MSN System can allow at most tens of participants to chat together simultaneously within a window. So I possess the experience of having a small class reunion chat on MSN, it's very interesting! Moreover, you can create your own website so that users can learn more information about you. Of course you can make your own web space private, if you want. In addition, MSN provides people with many choices. You may opt to lurk when you do not talk to others. You may block someone when you do not talk to him or her anymore. Or you may talk to someone yet your status is offline. It all up to you!

People may claim that when you chat in a non-face-to-face situation, you cannot see others' facial expression so that you cannot tell whether she or he is elated or sad, angry or smiling. Indeed. It's a demerit of chatting through MSN. But since MSN offers many lovely facial expressions and cute animations, you can choose the most appropriate one to convey your feelings when necessary and the situation may thus be improved a little. If you are still discontent with facial expressions provided there, you may prefer using the handwriting function to draw a new one. What's more, provided you really want to see the other's face, you may open the function of video camera.

Above all, all the available functions in MSN are all free. You do not have to pay any money while using it. Probably it is the most important reason why people are so fund of using it.

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