M440 Open Line

Logging on and maneuvering in M440 Open Line (mIRC) is a piece of cake but requires minor orientation. You can access the M440 channel by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. A simple form will appear that asks for your nickname and email address. Respond as follows:

1. Type your real name. First name is ok plus an initial. Examples: "ericb" or "marym".

2. Do nothing to the "Username" box with "java" already in it.

3. Fill in your email address.

4. Click on the connect button.

When the connection is made, a heading appears with welcome information. Below that is a small window that will allow you to log on to Open Line. To log on, type the following: /join #M440 . Be certain to leave a space between "/join" and "#M440" A large window that serves as the main discussion channel should appear and will contain your remarks and those of other participants. A narrow window at the right will display the names of those who have already logged on. A third window, the dialogue box, should appear at the bottom. This is your input location, i.e., where you will type your contributions to the on going discussion as well as the exit command.

Note: On some computers, this window (the dialogue box) is not immediately apparent. Should this be the case, place your pointer over the bottom edge dragging it downward until the box appears.

To exit, type: /quit. Then hit <enter>.

To register a comment or question, type it in the dialogue box and hit <enter>.

Etiquette

As you will discover, a channel operates much like a class room but at a somewhat slower pace. If everyone talks at once, shouts or is consistently insensitive to others in the channel, the discussion can become chaotic. To avoid this, observe the following conventions:

1. To indicate that you want to ask a question, type: ? <enter>. It's analagous to raising your hand. Wait to be recognized as you would in class.

2. To comment, type: ! <enter>. Wait to be recognized.

3. When typing a longer item use the ellipsis ( . . . <enter>) to indicate that you are continuing your question or comment, otherwise someone might assume that you have finished and jump in.

4. Please avoid . . .

o Shouting (all caps . . . SHOUTING)

o Profanity

o Put downs (flaming)

Additional information about chat (mIRC) is available at: http://www.vcsun.org.

Open Line Hours for final exams are listed below.
Please note the change in the Sunday hours: