JERITT, or any registered JERITT user, can begin communicating with others using threaded discussions, list servers, and chat rooms. All communications using threaded discussions and list servers must be moderated, which mean that the moderator must edit, organize, and post the entries before they are distributed. Moderators can be from JERITT or leaders of committees, groups, or teams responsible for working on judicial branch education projects or programs. Chat rooms are for real-time meetings; thus, entries are automatically posted.

All electronic communications are secured. Users must be approved before they can enter into any electronic communications.

For detailed descriptions of the various communication services, please see below.

Threaded Discussion. A threaded discussion is essentially a chat room with two exceptions. First, it is moderated, meaning someone is responsible for editing, approving, and posting all messages that are received for the discussion. Second, it is not a real-time discussion, meaning users can go to the web and participate in the discussion when it is convenient for them to do so. If you are enrolled in one or more threaded discussions, an asterisk will appear next to the discussion group title(s) indicating you have access. Once into the threaded discussion, follow the instructions for requesting a subscription, posting new messages, and/or moderating the discussion.

Advantages: Disadvantages: Best Use: - Can be accessed at the convenience of the user. - Must have web access. - Boards, committees, and advisory council meetings. - Messages stay on the web and do not clutter the user’s mailbox. - Is not-real time. - Brainstorming and problem-solving sessions. - Maintains a written record of the discussion. - Planning sessions. - Can involve many users from across the country.

List Server. A list server is basically an E-mail list where users can contact others who are on the same E-mail list. There are two ways to use the list server feature. You can either reply to the E-mail message received or go into the list server and follow the instructions. To reply from the incoming message, simply click on the reply button, type your message, and click on the send button (When replying to a message/topic, please indicate the message and/or person you are replying to). If communicating via the list server on the web, follow the instructions for requesting a subscription and posting new messages. If you are enrolled in one or more list servers, an asterisk will appear next to the title(s) indicating you have access. Your response will go to all the individuals on that list server. List servers are also moderated.

Advantages: Disadvantages: Best Use: - No access to the web is necessary. - If the list server activity is extensive, mailboxes will be rapidly filled with messages. - Rapid dissemination of information. - Messages come directly to your mailbox. - Messages are not held in one record. - Question and answer sessions. - Can communicate with large numbers of people with ease. - Rapid seeking and sharing of information.

Chat Rooms. A chat room is a real-time, unmoderated discussion group. Thus, any posted message goes directly to the chat room page for instant viewing. If you are enrolled in one or more chat rooms, an asterisk will appear next to the chat room title(s) indicating you have access, Once into a chat room, follow the instructions for posting new messages.

Advantages: Disadvantages: Best Use: - Is real-time. - Must have web access. - Boards, committees, and advisory council meetings. - Immediately interactive. - Users must be available at the same time. - Brainstorming and problem-solving sessions. - Can involve many users from across the country. - Written record only available for the life of the discussion. - Planning sessions. - Quick discussions about a particular subject.

NOTE: JERITT's Electronic Communication Services are available to individuals involved in judicial branch education. Thus, JERITT is not responsible for messages posted on those threaded discussions, list servers, or chat rooms established by individuals or groups in the judicial branch education field that are not moderated by JERITT.