UMChat or WebCT Vista?

Should I use UMChat or WebCT Vista for instant messaging?

In general, UMChat is designed for open, shared chat sessions. Although creation of private rooms is possible, it requires extra steps. WebCT Vista on the other hand, is by default open to registered users only, and you have to take extra steps to open it up to more participants.

UMChat is easy to setup: create a UMChat Jabber password, access a web client and start chatting! One of the advantages of having a UMChat Jabber account is that it can be used with IM desktop clients such as Gaim or iChat. Desktop clients let you personalize the chat interface, keep a history of chat conversations, filter profanity, block spam, and allow you set up other handy features.

WebCT Vista requires some preparation in making sure that chat participants have university IDs and passwords, and their browsers are configured correctly. At the same time, Vista is designed specifically for course-level communication, so many of its features make group chat more effective (Handraise mode, etc.) For more information on WebCT Vista chat and other features, visit the UMN WebCT website at http://www.webct.umn.edu.

Features Comparison Table

Features	UMChat Jabber	WebCT Vista 3
Access requirements	UMN Internet ID required. Non-U users need to request guest IDs.	UMN Internet ID required. Non-U users need to request guest IDs.
Password protected	Yes	Yes
Uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL)	Yes	Yes
System requirements	A supported browser is required to set up an account. A supported Jabber Client is necessary to a use UMChat.	A supported browser, an up-to-date Java platform. Browser must be configured correctly to allow popup windows; JavaScript must be enabled.
Account setup requirements	To initiate a UMChat Jabber account login to the UMChat Jabber homepage and setup a password.	Staff/Faculty may request a Vista Web site from http://www.webct.umn.edu > Site Request Form. Vista chat is limited to course members only.
Compatible with IM desktop clients	Yes	No
Chat logging available	Server side logging is accessible by system administrators only. Personal chat logging can be done via the use of IM desktop clients.	By default, server side logging is available to site instructors and designers only. Chat members may copy and save chat conversations for further review or distribution.
Additional Features	Install and configure an IM desktop client to use additional features.	By default, Vista chat is combined with the Whiteboard tool – a simple drawing program that lets you draw objects and import images that can be viewed in real-time by other users. Handraise mode lets chat participants ‘raise their hand’ if they want to speak. Instructors are then notified, and are able to pass the ‘microphone/pen’ to a selected member. Vista chat can be configured in conjunction with a Selective Release Map tool,which lets instructors control access to chat rooms based on a date, a member grade or a group to which members belong to. Course members who are registered students can be automatically fetched into Vista. Instructors configure chat rooms. Multiple Peoplesoft sections can be fetched into one Vista course. Instructors can manually enroll other participants.