Start a new chat
Start a direct message, group chat, or course conversation from the Chat tab in Fuxam Mobile — and how this relates to starting conversations on Fuxam Web.
Tap the + button on the Chat tab to open New Conversation and start messaging. Fuxam Mobile supports three conversation types — direct messages, group chats, and course channels — matching the channel types in Fuxam Base Chat on the web platform.
Starting a chat on mobile is the fastest way to reach someone when you are away from a desk. The conversation you create appears in your Chat tab list and syncs to Fuxam Web, so you can continue the thread on whichever device is convenient.
Why it matters
Academic coordination rarely waits for you to sit at a computer. A quick question to a seminar leader, a group thread for a project deadline, or a course-wide channel for module announcements all start the same way: open New Conversation, pick the right type, and send the first message.
Choosing the correct conversation type matters for privacy and clarity. Direct messages are for one-to-one exchanges; groups are for selected members; course channels keep discussion tied to a specific module.
How it fits
| Related area | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Chat in Fuxam Base | Web equivalent — start a conversation and create a channel |
| Find and filter conversations | New conversations appear in the filtered list after creation |
| Send messages and use message actions | Once a conversation opens, use the message field and toolbar to communicate |
On the web, administrators may also manage channels. Mobile focuses on starting and joining conversations you have permission to access.
Key concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Direct message | A one-to-one conversation with another person in your institution. |
| Group chat | A named channel with multiple members you select. |
| Course channel | A conversation linked to a course, when course chat is enabled. |
| New Conversation | The screen opened by the + button where you search for people or courses. |
Direct messages
Use a direct message when you need a private, one-to-one exchange — for example, asking a tutor a question or following up after office hours.
Tap the + button on the Chat tab.
Search for a person using the search field.
Tap a user’s name to open a direct (one-to-one) chat immediately.
Tapping a name opens the conversation right away; there is no separate Create step for direct messages.
Group chats
Use a group chat when several people need the same thread — project teams, study groups, or small working groups.
Tap the + button and search for people.
Long-press a user to select them, then long-press additional users to add more members.
Enter a Group Name (and optional description), then tap Create.
Choose a clear Group Name so members can find the thread later in the Groups filter — see Find and filter conversations.
Course chats
When course chat is enabled for your institution, switch to the Courses filter (or the Courses tab in the new conversation flow). Tap a course to open or start its course channel.
Course channels keep module discussion in one place alongside enrollment — the same course-linked channels you may see under Course Channels in Fuxam Base Chat on the web.
The hint on the selection screen explains: tap to start a 1 chat or long-press to select multiple people for a group.
Best practices
- Tap for a quick direct message; long-press when you need to select multiple people for a group.
- Before creating a group, consider whether a course channel already exists for module-wide discussion — it avoids duplicate threads.
- Use a descriptive Group Name and optional description so members recognize the purpose months later.
- If the duplicate-group banner appears, use the existing conversation rather than forcing a second channel with the same members.
Common pitfalls
| Issue | What to try |
|---|---|
| Cannot find a person in search | Confirm they belong to your institution and that you have permission to message them. |
| Course tab empty or missing | Course chat must be enabled for your institution; you must be enrolled or added to the course. |
| Accidentally started direct instead of group | Return to New Conversation, long-press to select members, then enter a Group Name and tap Create. |
| Created duplicate group | The app warns when the same members already have a group — accept the banner to open the existing thread. |
FAQ
What is the difference between tap and long-press?
Tap a user’s name to open a direct (one-to-one) chat immediately. Long-press to select users when building a group chat.
Can I create a course channel on mobile?
When course chat is enabled, you open or start a course channel by tapping the course in the Courses flow. Creation rules follow your institution’s settings — the web create a channel page describes channel management for administrators.
Will my new chat appear on the web?
Yes. Conversations started on Fuxam Mobile sync to Fuxam Base Chat on Fuxam Web.
Related pages
Find and filter conversations
Locate conversations after you create them.
Send messages and use message actions
Send your first message and use channel tools.
Start a conversation on web
Begin a direct or group conversation from Fuxam Web.
Create a channel on web
Web workflow for creating group and course channels.