Virtual office hours using TechTalk, a Web-based mathematical collaboration tool

This paper reports on the use of TechTalk, a web based chat environment designed for scientific and mathematical collaboration, in mathematics instruction. Techtalk provides internet access to shared Maple and MATLAB sessions and the ability to conduct a multiway conversation. Using this feature an instructor is able to answer questions on Maple/MATLAB outside of the classroom and outside of conventional, face-to-face office hours.