Communicate 4.3.1 - The Synchronous Session Quest
Reflect upon the importance of utilizing a synchronous session to “create a true classroom culture” online. How does integrating synchronous learning sessions within the online environment assist in developing a learning community for students?
Synchronous sessions are where we actually get to teach! It gives the students the feel of a real teacher because we are teaching them in real time. It also allows them to interact with me to review and ask questions at the exact moment they do not understand. Student who attend these sessions typically perform better in the class than those who don't! I think that is because they get a chance to ask their questions as they occur. They don't have to wait for me to receive their email and respond.
Even though SLS are not officially required by GAVS any longer (they have been replaced with "office hours") teachers can still do online lessons. What I like to do is email my students several days before the session and ask them to email me their specific questions or concepts that are giving them trouble. That way I can prepare for what they need ahead of time rather than just doing a presentation on the topic of my choosing. The session may end up being a discussion of how to perform a lab, me going over a specific question from the homework, or a full lesson on a certain topic.
During a session, I encourage students to participate. I usually give them presenter rights so that they can write on the screen and also use their microphone. Some students are not comfortable with this, so I do not push. It does seem that most students are comfortable using the chatbox. So, I frequently ask them questions and to type their answers in the chatbox. That way, if they get a question wrong, it isn't as embarrassing.
Synchronous sessions are where we actually get to teach! It gives the students the feel of a real teacher because we are teaching them in real time. It also allows them to interact with me to review and ask questions at the exact moment they do not understand. Student who attend these sessions typically perform better in the class than those who don't! I think that is because they get a chance to ask their questions as they occur. They don't have to wait for me to receive their email and respond.
Even though SLS are not officially required by GAVS any longer (they have been replaced with "office hours") teachers can still do online lessons. What I like to do is email my students several days before the session and ask them to email me their specific questions or concepts that are giving them trouble. That way I can prepare for what they need ahead of time rather than just doing a presentation on the topic of my choosing. The session may end up being a discussion of how to perform a lab, me going over a specific question from the homework, or a full lesson on a certain topic.
During a session, I encourage students to participate. I usually give them presenter rights so that they can write on the screen and also use their microphone. Some students are not comfortable with this, so I do not push. It does seem that most students are comfortable using the chatbox. So, I frequently ask them questions and to type their answers in the chatbox. That way, if they get a question wrong, it isn't as embarrassing.