Is Synchronous Learning for You?
Online learning is becoming more and more common as the preferred learning environment. Online learning is generally divided into synchronous and asynchronous learning. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Which method is best? It depends on the student.
Synchronous learning is similar online as it is in a traditional classroom. Both allow face to face interaction in a classroom style environment. Participants all learn at one time. Participants can be geographically distant from the instructor if they have access to a smart phone, laptop or computer. All participants, teachers and learners, contribute, interact and communicate to the discussion at the same time. "Class" is scheduled at a specific time. All participants are expected to be available at that time.
Advantages of synchronous learning:
*Avoid feelings of isolation
*Immediate feedback
*Quality student-teacher interaction
*Increased student engagement
*Face to face instruction
*Increased Collaboration in real time
*Direct teaching/incorporate classroom techniques
*Motivation
*Information adapted for spatial (visual), linguistic (verbal) and kinesthetic (physical) learners
Disadvantages of synchronous learning:
*Non-flexible time allotment
*Probelms with technology
*Lack of listening skills
*Overwhelmed with technology
Tools/technology that can be used for synchronous learning include but are not limited to:
*Videoconferencing
*Webcasts
*Interactive Learning Models
*Telephone Conferences
*Virtual Worlds
*Online Chat Rooms
*Instant Messaging
*Whiteboards
Here is a short, comical video about synchronous learning:
Google Hangouts is a specific tool that instructors can use to develop and implement a synchronous environment. Google Hangouts is affordable and user-friendly. Google Hangouts allows:
1. Integration of live classroom discussions
2. Collaboration of up to 10 people in a video chat
3. Accessed from various mobile devices
4. Online study groups
5. Send photos and messages
6. Learning interventions
7. Virtual presentations by experts (save travel expenses for expert)
8. One on one learner support
9. Option of using phone
10. Record presentations
Other specific tools:
Tips for Online Presenter
*be prepared
*maximum 6-8 minutes of talking at a time
*intersperse with questions, polls, activities, other speakers
*decide how you will handle direct messages during presentation
References
Higley, M. (October, 2013). Benefits of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/benefits-of-synchronous-and-asynchronous-e-learning.
Pappas, C. (August, 2014). 6 tips to use Google Hangouts for synchronous learning. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/6-tips-use-google-hangouts-for-synchronous-learning
The benefits of synchronous learning. Retrieved from http://elearning-reviews.traineasy.com/2014/09/22/the-benefits-of-synchronous-learning/.
*maximum 6-8 minutes of talking at a time
*intersperse with questions, polls, activities, other speakers
*decide how you will handle direct messages during presentation
References
Higley, M. (October, 2013). Benefits of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/benefits-of-synchronous-and-asynchronous-e-learning.
Pappas, C. (August, 2014). 6 tips to use Google Hangouts for synchronous learning. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/6-tips-use-google-hangouts-for-synchronous-learning
The benefits of synchronous learning. Retrieved from http://elearning-reviews.traineasy.com/2014/09/22/the-benefits-of-synchronous-learning/.
Great post, Debi. I think your lists would be helpful for new online instructors or those who are new to synchronous learning. I enjoyed the video you shared! Thanks for including a list of references for your readers.
ReplyDeleteHi, Debi:
ReplyDeleteI thought you provided a pretty complete list of the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous learning as well as tools for conducting meetings. I thought your tips for the online presenter were spot on. I’d like to offer some additional tips that I’ve picked up when presenting online. Just as in the physical classroom, it’s important to be comfortable with silence or dead air after you pose a question. While the time may seem really long to you, it’s necessary to give the participants enough time to process your question and formulate an answer. Resist the urge to use this time to answer your own question! My next tip fits under your category: Be Prepared. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case a website you want to demo is down or a video won’t play. I like to take some screenshots of my resources and have them ready just in case. Finally if you are presenting yourself over video, be sure you can be easily seen. For example don’t sit in front of a bright window or you will appear as a shadow for your viewers. You should also make sure your web cam is situated so that it shows your entire face. This may sound ridiculous but I’ve attended more than one webinar where only half of the instructor’s face or only the top of his head was viewable!