“Synchronous e-learning, commonly supported by media such as videoconferencing and chat, has the potential to support [remote] learners in the development of learning communities. Learners and teachers experience synchronous e-learning as more social and avoid frustration by asking and answering questions in real time. Synchronous sessions help [remote] learners feel like participants rather than isolates.” (Hrastinski, 2008).
When to use Synchronous Teaching
Synchronous instruction is best for students to ask questions, review coursework, and individual or group presentations.
Considerations
- What kind of home learning environment do students have? Are there family, work, or technology issues that may interfere with meeting in real-time?
- How large is the class? Real-time sessions with larger class sizes are difficult for students to participate in the discussion.
Best Practices
- Record live sessions to post in Canvas for students who cannot participate during the schedule virtual class session.
- Send meeting invites to remind students of scheduled, synchronous sessions.
- Consider inviting guest speakers to your live sessions to give real-world perspectives about course concepts.
- Include a “netiquette” statement that describes your expectations for asynchronous discussion and interaction.
- Add your recurring WebEx meeting link to your Canvas course navigation.
- Plan synchronous meetings with student groups for project updates.
Key Tools & Resources
Works Cited
Hrastinski, S. (2008, November 17). Asynchronous and Synchronous E-Learning. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/asynchronous-and-synchronous-elearning