Instant+Message

=Instant Messaging=

Instant Messaging or IM is another popular way to communicate in SL. IM's are private and therefore can only be seen by you and the person you are communicating. An IM can be used to send a message to an individual or an entire group in SL. The IM is useful when communciating with individuals who are not near you, may be offline, or require privacy.

> > //Figure 8// > > > //Figure 9//
 * A. Sending IM in Face to Face Setting:**
 * 1) Right-click on an avatar and select **Send IM** from the //**Pie Menu**// (fig. 8).
 * 1) A //**Communication window**// will open. Type your message in the text area and click **Send** (press enter) (fig. 9).


 * B. Sending IM to Someone at a Distance or Offline**

**Note:** To IM a friend or group you must first have friends as contacts or belong to a group. To learn how to add a friend to your contact list see //**Session 1 > Section E. Teleport to ECMM**// or view the video titled **//Friendship and Teleporting//** (2008) created by Russel Stannard. To view this video click on the previous link and a page will appear with a menu on the left side. The videos will begin playing automatically but to view the correct video for this section select **//18-Friendship and Teleporting//**. > > //Figure 10// > > > //Figure 11//
 * 1) Click on the **Communication Button** on the lower menu of the user interface to open the //**Communication window**// (fig. 10).
 * 1) The //**Communicate window**// (fig. 10) provides two tabs for contacts, //**Friends**// and //**Groups**//. Select either the **Friends** or **Groups** tab to see available options. Select the specific //**Friend**// or //**Group**// you wish to IM (the selection should be highlighted) and click the **IM/Call button** in the upper-right corner of the //**Communicate window**//.
 * 2) Clicking the //**IM/Call button**// will open the **IM Text window** (fig. 11). This window will provide the name of the person or group you are sending the IM, history of previous communication and a text box to input your IM text. Friends or group members who are offline will receive the IM at their next login to SL or receive it through their email, depending on their settings.

//**Practice:**//
 * 1) Add your instructor and some friends to your contact list.
 * 2) Send an IM to your instructor and to one of your friends.

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