Meebo

= Meebo = An instant messaging software that allows for creative communication and collaboration without the hassle of a download.

__Meebo Info:__
 * Resources:**
 * meebo wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meebo
 * creating meebo widgets for easy access - http://www.meebome.com/
 * videos by and about Meebo - http://vimeo.com/meebo

__Reviews and More about Meebo:__
 * http://www.crunchbase.com/company/meebo
 * http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367315,00.asp


 * Class Examples:**
 * http://shegeeks.net/meebo-what-every-virtual-classroom-needs/
 * http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/29005-Using-Meebo-as-a-Collaborative-Classroom-Tool
 * https://wiki.itap.purdue.edu/display/INSITE/Meebo?showComments=false - This site is amazing and even includes Meebo lesson plans

__STRENGTHS__ **-**
 * SWOT:**
 * Interactive and engaging social networking
 * Personal profiles and accounts
 * Personalized chat rooms available with limited guest lists
 * Synchronous communication - immediate send and response
 * Connection with Twitter, Facebook, AoL, etc allows for importing of contacts and information
 * Applications available for IPhone and Motorola Droid
 * No download
 * Free of cost
 * Allows for sharing of web links, video, images, and music within chat rooms and between friends
 * Guest chat is permitted
 * Video and audio conferencing available
 * Setup is extremely user friendly

__WEAKNESSES -__
 * Have to have a buddy list before chat rooms can be started
 * Advertisements can be distracting
 * Not much creativity or freedom of expression with profiles
 * Instant messaging means there is little time for reflection and well thought out responses - conversations can turn shallow
 * All users must be logged on at the same time

__OPPORTUNITIES__ -
 * class discussion about topics within the classroom
 * saving and sharing chat rooms for work accountability
 * video conferencing connections with experts or virtual field trips
 * extra tutoring between teacher and student without having to meet

__THREATS__ -
 * Personal profiles and user names that anyone on the site can view
 * Other users can request to interact with student's individual accounts
 * Students have a great deal of freedom (can communicate with one another w/out teacher knowledge - can lead to cyber bullying, inappropriate conversations
 * Interacting with other members and in pre-created chatrooms can find children in inappropriate content


 * Ideas for the Classroom:**
 * Chat room quiz shows/ material reviews - all students log on and answer timed questions
 * Virtual debates
 * Students can talk out emotionally charged issues ie: wearing uniforms, bullying, troubles between peers without have to share their opinion in a physical setting
 * Students can vote on topics within the room
 * Students can be assigned peer tutors/buddies to help with homework when needed
 * Students could interact between classrooms and share ideas and opinions on a common topic