The Virtual Classroom: Best Practices for Synchronous e-

Learning

Blaine MorrowFACC T&L Fall, 2010

Real-time Access to Peers, Instructors, Experts

Tools for Hands-on Application or Reaction Guided Connections to Primary Resources Prompt Feedback Time on Task Inclusion of Diverse Learning

Approaches/Styles Spontaneous Epiphanies

Why Synchronous?

Using the Audio ToolBest Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Use a Headset

Value Silence

The Most Important Content Delivery Method Available

Increases Social Presence Accommodates Diverse Learning Styles

Reasons for Using Audio

Explain Visuals with Narration Alone Don’t Let Students Put Phones on Hold Have Students Raise Their Hands to Speak

Tips for Using Audio

Audio Responses are Transient Use Audio Along with Other Options for

Communication Many Students are Self-Conscious About

Audio

Audio Caveats

Using the Web CamBest Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Use the Web Cam to Feel Connected

Don’t Use the Web Cam Throughout

Demonstrate with the Web Cam

Focus on Eye Contact: Look at the Camera Every Moment on Camera Matters

(especially the first ones) Position the Camera so You Can Also See the

Screen Authentic Surroundings, Good Lighting &

Props Don’t Forget You’re On Camera

Tips for Using the Web Cam

Technical Requirements, Bandwidth Video Can Distract Cognitive Resources Students Do Not Necessarily Learn More

Deeply Because They Can See You

Web Cam Caveats

Using the Chat ToolBest Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Those Who Don’t Talk Will Chat

Seed the Chat Room

Monitor Chat Comments

Engage Students with Chat

1 2 3: Put it in Your Chat Box!

Chat is Best When You Want All Students to Respond

“Shy” Students Are More Likely to Interact via Chat

Non-Threatening Way for Students to Ask Questions

Good Brainstorming Tool Also good for Student-Student Interaction Always Keep an Eye on the Chat Area

Tips for Using Chat

Limited Screen Real Estate Use Crowd Control for Large Classes Spontaneity Does Not Create Clear Prose Set Ground Rules

Chat Caveats

Using ArchivesBest Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Watch Your Own Archives

Use Archives to Extend Class Time

Make Your Archives Useful

Use a Secret Word

Use it as an Option to Attending a Live Class and as a Chance to Review for Better Understanding

Great Tool for Improving Your Skills Inexpensive (free) Lecture Capture

Tips for Using Archives

Tell Students They are Being Recorded If Attendance Lags, You’ll Have Less

Interaction

Archive Caveats

Keeping Students EngagedBest Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Set the Tone

Circulate Among Students

Acknowledge Students’ Presence

Keep Things Moving

Miscellaneous Best Practices

Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

Respect Deadlines

Disaster Recovery

Crashes and Recoveries

Let Students Help with Recovery

Know What Privileges to Give

Give Moderator Privilege - Sparingly

Use More Than One Computer

Audio: Use a Headset, Value Silence Web Cam: Use It, But Not a Lot Chat: Seed It, Monitor It, Use it for Everyone Archives: Watch Yourself, Extend Class Time,

Make Them Useful, Use a Secret Word Interaction: Set Tone, Circulate, Acknowledge

Students, Keep Things Moving Respect Time, Call Confer for Help, Give

Control Away Carefully, Use Two Computers

Summary