Synchronous Facilitation Tools

Tools for use when interaction between participants is in "real time."

Synchronous communication and the tools that facilitate real time communication can be useful for bringing the online classroom to life. Real time communications allow you and your students to meet up for casual class chats or scheduled class sessions. In the blended classroom, they can be useful for extended office hours or as a way for students to communicate with each other outside of the classroom. And that's just the beginning! Guest speakers and collaborations with others from the local community to global partnerships can create opportunities to extend the classroom walls. This module introduces you to some of the most basic tools for synchronous communications.

Objectives

  • Identify uses and types of tools for synchronous learning activities.
  • Compare the features of chat and video conferencing tools.
  • Identify instructional purposes and strategies for synchronous learning activities.
  • Explore 3D virtual worlds.

Synchronous Communication

Chat and Instant Messaging

Videoconferencing

ACTIVITIES DUE DATE
1. Review Background Information

Spend 15 minutes reviewing the resources listed above. In particular, pay attention to the types of tools that are available and the most appropriate instructional strategies for their use. 		All assignments below:
(XX/XX/XX)

2. Compare the Features of Chat and Video Conferencing Tools

As technology advances, the line between chat tools and web conferencing tools is blurring. Many free chat tools incorporate the same features as more sophisticated Web Conferencing tools. And, more and more Web conferencing tools are free and include the same features as tools that may have been cost prohibitive in the past. Take some time now to explore 2 tools that would be suitable in your classroom. Check out the links below for some examples. Conduct a search for more.

As you explore, note the various features of each tool. We often see reviews of technology tools on blogs and websites. Take on the role of a reviewer and prepare a short review of your chosen tools. Include any pertinent information that would be important to educators and using the tool in the blended or online classroom. Post in the "Chat and Video Conferencing Review" forum.

**If you have access to a Web conferencing tool at your school, include a comparison of your tool and a free version.

 

3. Identify Strategies for using Synchronous Tools in your Blended or Online Classroom

Now that you are better acquainted with some of the available tools, it's time to think about how you might use such a tool for instructional purposes. All types of content areas lend themselves to the use of video and audio features in sychronous tools. Check out Blended Learning in K-12 for inspiration.

Identify 2 strategies for using synchronous communication tools and add them to the "Strategies for Synchronous Tools" collaborative Google Document.

 

4. Extend Your Learning - Explore Virtual Worlds

3D virtual worlds are a relatively recent development in digital technologies and are just one more example of tools useful for facilitating synchronous interactions. Read about Virtual Worlds.

Learning Activity: When done, share your adventures and an analysis of the value of virtual worlds in education in the "Virtual Worlds" discussion forum. What virtual worlds did you visit? How could you utilize a virtual world for teaching? What challenges might you expect to encounter?

  

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