UIC offers two options for instant messaging, Blackboard Instant Messenger and Jabber. Below you will find the details of each option as you choose the best communication tool for your needs.
Blackboard Instant Messenger (formerly known as Pronto) is a free instant messaging and voice chat tool that allows students and instructors to spontaneously meet live, online at any time to discuss their coursework. Blackboard Instant Messenger works with Blackboard Learn to automatically populate students' contact lists with their classmates' names, thereby making it easy for students, faculty and teaching staff to spontaneously collaborate live online. Blackboard Instant Messenger can also be used as a regular modern Instant Messenger, outside of Blackboard on Windows and Mac systems.
Jabber is an open source instant messaging system available to all UIC students, faculty and staff. Jabber client software is available for all the major operating systems, including tablets and smartphones.