'Chatting' while Working

The most loved function of Google Docs in my class this year has definitely been chat. My students get so excited to open chat in their documents. Although chat can also become a distraction if not used in the correct way - the pro's far out way any con's. Students are able to ask others questions in real time while they are working - this could be to do with how to spell a word or what to do next in their work. They can also chat to me if they are not in the same room as I am. 

My students have also already learnt a lot of digital citizenship while using chat. At first when chat was just a novelty - children would often type 'hi' or insert a smiley face. Now however after many reflections and discussions we have refined what is acceptable chat behaviour. We have still got some work to do of course and this will continue as students get more capable and daring or learn new things.