This is what DocJohn said recently, EJ, when another had this problem:

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Chat depends on the computer you're connecting from being able to connect to the chat server on port 8080. If you have Windows firewall installed, or if you're trying to connect behind some other type of firewall (like at work), then this could be the problem.... and usually is the number one issue. Things like popular Internet virus software suites also sometimes work to block unused Internet ports....

So there's a lot of possible explanations. The more information you can provide the support forum about the type of computer, operating system, web browser, etc. that you're connecting from, the more likely we can help you troubleshoot the problem....

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Have you updated anything? Did the teaching software come with some type of firewall maybe?

KD