NOTE: DIRECTIONS FOR 
USING IRC.

     Dear Internet for English Majors Students:

     I would like to experiment with "remote classes" on Tuesday,
October 27. On those days we will hold class at the usual time,
9:30-10:45 p.m. However, we will do so by computer. 

     Each of you, and I too, will be at a computer that has an
Internet connection and a program called an "IRC client." IRC stands
for "Internet Relay Chat". Using this facility, we can hold a
"keyboard" conversation something like the VMS PHONE facility, except
that we can have an entire class on at the same time. 

     The College of Humanities and Social Sciences has a computer with
its own IRC server (program). We won't have to worry about anyone else
in the world breaking in on our class conversation. 

     Right now we have the relevant program installed in DI-280. I'm
working with the Information Services division to get it installed in
DI-281 as well. I will find out whether any other labs at the
University have these IRC clients as well, and let you know.

     "Remote learning" of this nature is fast becoming "the wave of
the future." I want you all to learn how to use it. After our two
classes, you all will know how to use IRC to collaborate with others
in multi-party conversations. This kind of collaboration is the best
kind of thing for education.

     Those of you who depend on the MSU computer labs will be able to
use a lab to engage in these interactive classes. Let me know you need
to do this in advance, and I'll let you into DI-280, which is our
classroom at that time.

     Those of you who have Internet access at home through an Internet
Service Provider can download and install an IRC client on your home
computer. My next message will give you instructions for doing that
(they include instructions for downloading and installing an IRC
client for the Macintosh).

     In fact, you may have an IRC client provided with your ISP (my
ISP, IDT, provides one). If you have one, please study it and enter
the following IRC server:

     chss2.montclair.edu         port 6667

     This is the IRC server we will all be connecting to.

     IF YOU HAVE AOL: Please do the following:

     * check to see if you have an IRC client. If so, please study it
and connect to the CHSS IRC server (address in previous paragraph);

     * if you do not have an IRC client provided by AOL, please
CONTACT AOL and find out whether you can download one from the
Internet and use it on AOL. 

     * if you want to use your Web Browser, e.g. NetScape, connect to
the following URL:

     http://chss2.montclair.edu:8080

     (remember the colon and the number).

     The bottom line is: we will be able to have full-scale class
discussions, with small- and large-group discussions and exchange and
comment upon assignments, despite the fact that we will not meet for a
whole week! 

     We will be using the technology of the future to enchance
education today! I think it is good to get an introduction to these
skills now. It will be of immense value to you.

     Sincerely,

     Grover Furr