Communication in The Synchronous Learning Environment
Posted by Phyllis Stith on July 27th, 2008
The online learning environment can be either static (asynchronous) or dynamic (synchronous). As a result, students should try both methods to see which format best fits their needs.
In synchronous classes, the professor is the facilitator of the online learning session and speaks to the class through live audio. In like manner, the facilitator is able to present visual lessons that can be easily seen by the students through their computer monitors.
There are two ways to communicate in the synchronous environment, live chat and text messaging. During chat, the facilitator and students are able to speak to the class through a microphone. However, it is important to note that most online classes have security mechanisms which make it impossible for more than one person to speak at a time. Moreover, the facilitator has the ability to either grant or deny permission to those who wish to speak during the session.
Most online classes also give students the ability to enter questions and comments through text messaging. Once a message is typed and entered, all of those present in the class are able to respond. Thus, the facilitator must use effective classroom management techniques so that these messages do not become distractive to the point of interfering with the lesson.
Tags: Online Communication
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