Office of Academic Technology :: Spring Arbor University

The Office of Academic Technology is pleased to release a new service to SAU faculty:  OAT Live Chat.  OAT Live Chat is a Web-based chat service that instantly connects SAU faculty to OAT staff with no software, training, or installations.  It just works.  ”Many faculty, specifically regional site adjunct faculty, are many times traveling, speaking, and on the road.  Many times they don’t have time to call or wait for an e-mail.  They just need a quick answer.  This is one way we can help facilitate this”, says Jason Archer, Educational Media Designer.  ”We knew there was a need.  We just needed to figure out how to fill it.”

Archer worked with Daniel Shackelford, System Administrator in Technology Services, to look for a solution.  Shackelford found one and collaborated with OAT to test, implement, and brand the OAT Live Chat service to SAU faculty, regardless of where they teach.  ”Since we’ve been using OAT Live Chat, I’ve been able to answer faculty questions regarding their blackboard courses in a way that is timely, unobtrusive to their busy schedules, and in a way that has been reported to be satisfying to them on their end.”, says David Goodrich, Instructional Designer.

OAT Live Chat Demo

Take the Next Step

OAT Live Chat is for SAU faculty and academic support staff only.  It is intended to create a greater connection to OAT services and staff.  General support questions related to Blackboard functionality or general tech support inquiries should be directed to SAU Help Desk.  The video tutorial above demonstrates how to use the service.  Faculty can also download a step-by-step PDF.  Have questions?  Contact OAT by phone, e-mail, Skype, or now…Live Chat.