Interactive Forums

The World Wide Web provides many ways beyond e-mail to interact with other people, most of which are currently low cost. Some of these, like newsgroups and listservs, are static and much like e-mail . . . others, like Internet Relay Chat (IRC), allow you to interact "live" and write or respond immediately to other people online. The following sites offer information on how to find and use the various interactive forums.

Mailing Lists
Mailing lists allow a group of people to discuss a common topic by sending e-mail to a "list" that automatically redistributes it to all of the people who have subscribed.

Mailing Lists

A brief summary of what mailing lists are, how to use them, and how to join them, from Learn the Net..
http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/24mlists.htm

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Newsgroups
Newsgroups exist on nearly any topic you can imagine. Much like a mailing list, they allow groups to discuss focused topics. Unlike a mailing list, you do not have to subscribe . . . you may simply visit the server where the newsgroup is hosted and view the information; however, you must use a newsreader to view the information in a newsgroup. The following links describe the commonly available newsreaders built into browsers and sources for locating newsgroups relevant to your interests.

All About Newsgroups

A thorough discussion of newsgroups with tips for searching and links to search tools including Google Groups, a site that allows you to easily read and write to newsgroups from your Web browser.
http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/26nwsgrp.htm

AOL Anywhere: Newsgroups

AOL's general guide to newsgroups - what they are, how to find them, how to use them, netiquette, terms to know. http://www.aol.com/nethelp/news/news.html

Accessing Newsgroups Using Netscape Messenger

Step-by-step guide to using Netscape's newsgroup and discussion features. http://wp.netscape.com/browsers/using/newusers/newsgroups/

Searching Newsgroups

Web tip for journalists--use newsgroups to find sources for stories, background information.
http://www.poynter.org/web/020102Jon.htm

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Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
There is probably no more intimidating, or rewarding, interactive forum than IRC . . . using a software program, you are able to type "live," getting and giving immediate responses to a topic. The learning curve on this one is high, but well worth the effort. Beware: IRC is notorious for pushing free speech to its most offensive limits. Sticking with educational servers when working with students is absolutely recommended.

An Introduction to IRC Internet Relay Chat

A straightforward introduction to IRC.
http://help.mindspring.com/features/ircintro/index.htm

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Directories

In addition to Google Groups, several other search tools can help you find mailing lists, newsgroups, or chat groups on topics that interest you. Also, ask your friends and colleagues--they undoubtedly have favorites to recommend.

Global SchoolNet Mailing Lists

GSN hosts several discussions that focus on using the Web in K-12 education.
http://www.gsn.org/lists/index.html

Topica (formerly Liszt) E-Mail List Directory

One of the most complete directories of mailing lists, newsgroups, and chat groups on the Web. Search the directory or browse by general area of interest.
http://www.liszt.com/

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General Guidelines

As you enter any of the Web's interactive forums, it is important to remember that you are interacting with people, most of whom are as busy as you are . . . many forums have their own specific guidelines to help you.

Listservs/Mailing Lists/ Discussion Groups

This link will take you to a general discussion of how to be an effective, and polite, participant.
http://www.fau.edu/netiquette/net/dis.html

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