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edits
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→IRC
Almost all open source projects have IRC channels, but Mozilla is large enough that it has its own server, with hundreds of channels. Learning IRC is one thing, and then figuring out which channel(s) are the most appropriate for certain types of work/questions is another. The best starting place is the [irc://irc.mozilla.org/seneca #seneca] and [irc://irc.mozilla.org/education #education] channels. These channels are filled with students and professors from many schools, and also some knowledgeable (and sympathetic) Mozilla community members. Not every channel is going to be friendly to beginners, but these channels will always be. You can ask anything about Mozilla, IRC, getting students connected to people within Mozilla, etc.
Here are some other points about IRC for professorsacademics:
* IRC can seem somewhat childish, with its use of short forms, nicknames, etc. However, don't dismiss it because of this. Being able to combine you, communicate with your studentspeers, and Mozilla developers in a real-time chat environment is invaluable* Students may need some hand-holding to use irc effectively. For example, it is wise to have them start using one channel you create (e.g., /join ''channel name'' will create a new channel) and/or the [irc://irc.mozilla.org/education #education] channel. This allows them to learn the tool and how to communicate effectively online before jumping into the main developer channels.* Getting developers to stop what they are doing and help you (and your students) on irc is a two-way thing: if all you ever do is ask questions, you're not likely to have your questions answered over the long term. The best long term strategy is to look for ways to contribute to the channels. For example, a developer may need help testing a patch, or need some info about an OS they don't have. Watching for ways to contribute helps build your credibility and place within the community.
* Similar to the previous point, IRC is not email. Joining irc, asking a question, then leaving right away is not how you should use it. Many people leave it running all the time so they can read what has happened while they were away. Maybe you'll know the answer to a question asked a few hours ago--it's fine to answer it now
* Don't overlook the value of having your students (and you!) sit sitting idle in the main developer channels. What an amazing learning opportunity to have the chance to be able to go and "sit" in the "office" of a world-class developer project and listen to how they work.
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