synchronous learning
I wanted to stress the importance of real time learning. Students need to know that there is a real instructor on the other end. If we only had one synchronous meeting per course it might help with retention.
Ramonica,
It does but remember, the millennial student doesn't really need real time to connect. These students will connect in a variety of ways online. I do find that non traditional students and instructors of a certain maturity (age) need real time to create relationships . Don't limit your students by your needs.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I really do agree with that. The real time learning session gives the student the chance to express or ask questions and receive answers without waiting. This helps to reinforce the personal student/instructor relationship.
Charles,
You make a great point, it is important to be a good multitasker . You are right, many students are much more comfortable in that type of delivery.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The term synchronous means happening at precisely the same time, and refers to an online learning experience in which an instructor and a group of participants speak and interact in an online classroom. Delivering training in this environment requires a facilitator to engage their audience and create interactivity in non-traditional ways, be sensitive to how they use their voice, and be comfortable multitasking in a new technical and logistical environment.
It is a best way for online students to feel the presence of the professor.
Frances,
If you truly have anytime, anywhere learning setting one time for all students to meet will prove to be impossible. You may want to use virtual office hours and spread short opportunities throughout the week. Make sure that it doesn't overly burden you. You do have to think of your workload. If you use office hours approach, you could have multiple courses connecting at the same time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Maria,
I agree that there should always be some synchronous element to an online course, but I find that it is difficult to set a time that is okay with all the students. Some students may have another class at the time I set my chat. They may also work or have family obligations. I do think that having the ability to actually "see" the students is great and develops a needed relationship with students. I also find that email is a good method to use as well as being active in the discussion board.
Natalie,
Good point. There are some really valuable benefits with connecting synchronously, particularly for nontraditional students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This is absolutely true. It makes you more "real." In my experience, they become more accountable and will communicate more frequently if they know that someone is on the other end ready to support and assist them.
Frank,
That happens so much of the time. I have begun tracking the students who watch the videos (my lms allows that). I then report back to them as part of the participation. It is an eye opener for them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Where I teach we have one optional synchronous teaching time each week. It is helpful for some student in the class, but the vast majority do not show up since it is optional. The sessions are recorded so the other students can review the information when it is convenient for them. It is hard to say how beneficial the time is for the entire class, but it is beneficial for the students that attend.
Frank Nolan
Catherine,
Interesting. I may have to try this. You have to give them a reason to attend; yours works.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have found this to be true as well. However, the more one can encourage attendance the better for the student. I do this by going over assignments and not readily answering questions I covered in the live chat.
Catherine McBride
Debra,
These are some great techniques. You have really incorporated chats in a successful way.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dennis,
True, the students who don't participate tend to be the weaker students. It is so frustrating.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dennis,
I agree with you. Students to watch the interaction between other students and the instructor just as they do in f2f.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony, I am sure that you do this but I do send an email to student reminding them that although attendance is not mandatory because all of the chat are recorded and archived, they are still responsible for the content presented. Therefore, it is their responsibility to review the archives if they do not attend because in explaining the assignment objectives, if I ask for specific items in their discussion or ask for a particular reference to be used and they don't, they will lost points on that item. The reason that I do this is so they try to go beyond providing a defintions in their assignment. I want to see more indepth discussion. Therefore, I try to get them to provide the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" answers to the questions to increase their level of critical thinking. So, when they see points loss for not having a specific response, my chats usually have 6-10 students which makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
Anthony
I get similar turnouts at my weekly chat sessions and often they are the students who least need them.
Cheers, Dennis
I agree completely even is a student does not attend the "chat session" many listen to them later and appreciate the instructor-student interaction
Cheers, Dennis
Maria,
You may have a point, but it is important to engage students in other ways. Your personality can be demonstrated by recordings and posts, they have to be done consistently.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
