Have you ever logged-on to an online class chat and found yourself with nothing to say? An About.com article explains the difficulties of educational chat rooms:

"Online chats for distance learning classes can be nerve-wracking. Students are expected to respond to instructor questions and interact with other students in the chat room, without much time to prepare responses. Unlike traditional classrooms, virtual chat rooms don't give you the chance to see the physical cues or hear verbal inflections during a discussion. Additionally, chatters can be held back by a slow typing speed or embarrassed by poor spelling. Often, students' grades will be determined, in part, by their chat room participation. But, never fear. There is a way to enter distance learning chat rooms with confidence and cool."

To learn more, see: 5 Online Class Chat Room Techniques That Will Impress Your Professors and Peers.