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How to Log In to the Chat Session

Begin by logging in to the chat system a few minutes before the starting time. Click on the URL (web address) below to link to the chat web site:

http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/personalfinance

You will see a screen that looks like Image #1, below. Adobe Flash Player software is required to use the chat system. The system will test your browser to determine whether you have the required software. If the system prompts you to install the Adobe software, please select “Yes” or “OK.”

You will log in to the chat session as a Guest. In Image #1, the Guest log in area is circled in red. Image #2 is a close up of the Guest log in area.

Image #1, log in screen

Image #2, log in screen

Please enter your first name and last name, and your institution or agency in the box labeled “Type your name:” then click on the Enter Room button (example: Mary Smith, Florida State U).

When you are logged into the system, you will see the chat session environment (see Image #3). On the left is the Attendee List where you will see the names of people who have entered the chat. In the center is the Chat window, and on the right side of the screen you’ll see a quiz and a Notes area. The chat discussion will all take place in the Chat window in the center (see red circles on Image #3). A close-up image of the top area of the Chat window can be seen in Image #4, below.

Image #3, Chat Session Environment

Image #4, Close up of top area of Chat window

You can type in your questions or comments in the text box located at the bottom of the Chat window (see red circle at bottom of Image #3). Image #5, below, shows the text box. After you type your question or comment, hit the Enter key on your keyboard or click on the “Send Message” button (arrow button) located to the right of the text box.

Image #5, Text entry box located at bottom of Chat window

Instructions for Participants

In the chat environment, the questions or comments you enter into the text box will appear in the Chat window in the center of your screen. Your name will be posted along with your text entry. An ‘expert’ will respond with a short answer. Depending on the number of questions submitted, it may take a few minutes for the expert to respond to your question. Typos may appear in the questions and/or answers because there is no ‘spell check’ with this program. All communication takes place by keyboarding questions/answers into the Chat window.

Please take a minute to respond to the quiz "Have you previously participated in a chat?" by choosing one of the answers.

How to Log Out of the Chat Session

At the conclusion of the chat session, simply close your browser window to log out.

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