Many students and teachers are more familiar with chatting software than with the use of fora.

Is using a Forum the same thing as Chatting?
No, not at all.

So what's the difference?
1. A forum is a public place where people can discuss, ask or reply to particular topics. What is written in a forum can be seen by all members. On the other hand, when chatting, only the people you are chatting with (in that chat room) can read your posts.

2. In a forum, the posts will remain there forever. So the members can read your posts years later.

3. In a forum, there is no need to have people online at the same time. If only one person is online, he can still post messages. His messages will then be read later on when other members go online.

4. In a forum, when a member posts a message or question, he will not usually get a reply instantly. He will need to go online again later on, example, a few days later, to check if he got a reply to his question.

5. In a forum, people learn from each other's questions. If one student asks "What is the difference between solids, liquids and gases?" and a teacher gives him the answer, then there is no need that other students ask the same question over and over again. In a forum, all questions and replies will still be available online for future reference.

If you never had a chance to use a forum, then you are invited to register and use the Skola Forum. To register go to http://skola.gov.mt and click on "Register" that is found on the right side of the page. ◄