I have been teaching online for over 10 years and have had dismal results with live chats. There are a few factors that impact participation. Out of site ,out of mind. Our students lives are very busy. We ask them to read lectures, do research and engage in the homework...and on top of that, attend the live chat at a set time and place. That is the rub. If they can't attend the chat in real time, why watch it some other time? There is no peer or instructor saying they HAVE to do it in the room. There is no real time accountablity or encouragement. That comes via emails and phone calls. So the fact they are already busy and can't attend in real time makes it hard to watch it afterwards. Out of sight, out of mind.
Live chats supplment. They are not crucial. The fact of the matter is the live chats supplment the course. They are not crucial to success. You can muddle through the class without them. Busy lives, many distractions, the thing that can be skipped with the least amout of pain, will be. Time and time again I hear that from my students. I didn't watch it because I had to do this instead. They are not docked points. There is not grade or real incentive for watching that chat. So they are skipped.
That said I always try to bring in real critiques into my chat. Comments on the work that helps them to see their peers solutions and then the suggestions on how to make things better. I encourage. I am honest. I share inspiration. That keeps the chats at a high energy pace. I hate teaching software on a chat. That is not what they need from me. They need my real world expertise and my encouragement for them to get there. This has been successful for me. Those that do attend , we have a great time. :) I hope this was helpful.
