Communicate 4.3.1 The Synchronous Session Quest

How does integrating synchronous learning sessions within the online environment assist in developing a learning community for students? Discuss this question at length in your blog.

Synchronous tools provide humanization in the online world. Students learn better when they know the teacher cares about them and their success. A personal connection can be achieved through real-time meetings. Synchronous meetings allow participants and teachers to develop a learning relationship virtually. Online meetings allow shy students a safe place to communicate with the teacher. Students should be encouraged to share useful information (sites) that would help others with their work or understanding. Through sharing and collaborating a strong learning community can be built and maintained. Another area of interest is that a real-time meeting allows the facilitator to share expertise on the subject that might not be contained within the course module, strengthening the connections in the course learning community.

Guidelines:

• Publish a backup plan in case internet connectivity is lost; gather student contact information to use in case of internet issues; record the session and publish it within the course.
• Have an orientation and welcome session with students. Show learners how to use the features of the synchronous software.
• Begin and end "office hours" or synchronous meetings on time. Participants need to be able to count on the hours being available as published. Weekly synchronous sessions are an effective way to provide detailed instructions, sharing any pitfalls students may encounter with assignments.
• Publish an agenda. Make sure all content windows are open and ready prior to beginning the session.
• Check audio and video to make sure everything is working properly.
• Ask participants to check their settings.
• Stay on topic during the session.
• Keep up with improvements to features of the synchronous platform.
• Use the chat feature to provide individual assistance to those who require extra help, or conduct an additional meeting.

Resources:

Kipp, Kristin. "Thinking About Synchronous Sessions." Education Frontier. N.p., 06 Jan. 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2016. <http://educationfrontier.org/thinking-about-synchronous-sessions/>.

Kelly, Rob. "Build Community, Extend Learning with Online Synchronous Sessions." Faculty Focus. Magna Publications, 14 Mar. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2016. <http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/asynchronous-learning-and-trends/build-community-extend-learning-online-synchronous-sessions/>.

Kosalka, Michelle. "Using Synchronous Tools to Build Community in the Asynchronous Online Classroom - Faculty Focus." Faculty Focus. Magna Publications, 10 Aug. 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2016. <http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/asynchronous-learning-and-trends/using-synchronous-tools-to-build-community-in-the-asynchronous-online-classroom/>.