Instant Messenging
"Snail mail" has long been on a decline since the popularity of email took over the virtual market. Though much more accessible than the post office, email is facing its own competition from instant messaging software, produced by companies such as Yahoo, Google, and AOL. These companies are among the world's leading virtual giants, and all offer their own version of an instant messenger.
One of the basic advantages of an instant messenger over e-mail is that you can immediately see the online status of the people you're trying to reach by looking at your "buddy" list, a menu of users with whom you communicate. No more wondering if your e-mail has reached the recipient, or if the recipient is currently accessing e-mail.
Since you can see which buddies, or users, are online, you're more likely to get an immediate response from them. In this way, instant messaging is almost like a rolling conversation, becoming a faster and more spontaneous way to communicate compared to sending one-line e-mail messages back and forth. And it may be less intrusive than a phone call.
Disadvantages of this communication include lack of privacy and security. It is very easy for someone to get your personal information (though newer versions of IM software give you stricter security options). Instant messaging is the biggest distraction among students who use computer technology in schools. Some case studies even describe online messaging to be an addictive behavior. Frequent use of this technology at home and in the classroom has led to an unfortunate trend of virtual bullying. Despite these disadvantages, instant messgaing can be a useful tool for educators. With propoer supervision and implementation, students can use IM software to enrich classroom discussion and extend the boundaries of the classroom environment.