Synchronous Communications: Live Web Conferencing

A common criticism of online courses is that the social element of a traditional face-to-face learning environment is removed because of the heavily asynchronous "anytime, anywhere" nature of online learning.  By the same token, the asynchronous is frequently cited as an appealing characteristic for choosing to pursue online learning opportunities.  The technology that has come a long way to provide real-time communications for students in fully online learning environments.  Web conferencing applications have brought students and instructors several steps closer to having face-to-face interactions that many of us are accustomed to.  Web conferencing applications such as Big Blue Button, Adobe Connect Pro, Web Ex, and Blackboard Collaborate provide opportunities for real-time communications and collaboration for students and instructors in online environments.  My personal favorite web conferencing application so far is Adobe Connect.  However, as an instructor and instructional designer, I have used other applications as well.  At my current institution, we have both Blackboard Collaborate and Big Blue Button integrated into our Canvas learning management system (LMS).  The screenshot below is a glimpse into the Blackboard Collaborate live virtual environment.

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Visual presentations, polling, live chat, file sharing, screen sharing, and breakout sessions are just some of the features that can enhance live communications and interactions among students in this virtual environment.  I use synchronous communications heavily in online graduate-level courses.  For example, I will host end-of-module (modules may run from 2 to 3 weeks long) live sessions to summarize and elicit student feedback on how the concepts of a given module may be applied to their current work environments.  Our main live discussion may then be followed by a smaller activity where I break the class into small groups via breakout sessions so they can engage and communicate with their fellow group members.  Another use of live synchronous web conferencing is to host virtual office hours.  Similar to traditional on-campus office hours, time could be set aside to be available, virtually, for online students.  A faculty member can simply leave the live web conferencing environment/room open to see if students enter or they can make individual appointments to meet virtually with students.  With any form of synchronous communications, must expect the unexpected to occur.  Slow Internet speeds, audio and video equipment may not function properly with out computer resets, and audio/video coming in choppy or degraded are just a few examples of instances faculty need to be prepared for.  Other potential uses of live synchronous web conferencing include:

• Real-time group or individual presentations
• Brainstorming and/or problem-solving sessions
• Study groups, tutoring, and/or team meetings
• and much more.