This plan is based on the old metaphor / replication idea of technology, filling a typical kind of gap that distance learning, students working and a lack of community in this day 'n age brings about.
For that reason I'm a little suspicious of it :o) BUT, instant messaging IS the second most used communication technology, IS used primarily among young folk and IS a pretty darn effective tool for facilitating individual relationships and group dynamics (I think... anyone got any concrete research out there?)
So, basically this involves getting all your learners onto IM, facilitating the sharing of usernames, talking about and demonstrating how this could be of benefit to them and then seeing how it goes....
2:05:38 PM 
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