Synchronous Tools in Online Learning Scenarios

(Smith, 2012, Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication)

Synchronous Tools in Online Learning Scenarios Online Trends and Advanced Tools

By Prof. Jonathan Acuña Solano Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Twitter: @jonacuso Post 204

One of the most inconvenient things that college students have is to find time to get together with partners to develop course projects. Synchronous tools allow learners in a college setting to work together at the same time while in different locations within the same city, country, or afar. “Synchronous communication is any form of live communication that demands all parties involved in a conversation be present at the same time. This forces the conversation to occur when both parties are available and may inconvenience schedules of one or both of the participants” (Smith, 2012). For an online course, synchronous tools provide support for students to discuss, share, and

collaborate simultaneously with or without the assistance of a professor. For all these reasons, as an online teacher, it is important to recognize the benefits, challenges, and what is needed on your online course prior to selecting synchronous tools. A couple of synchronous tools I have often used and encourage students to use are: Google Docs along with Google Talk and AnyMeeting.

When one gets to talk about the benefits we can get out of Google Docs, it is important to highlight how it can be synchronously effective for learners. What if students need to get together for a project? Do you –as an instructor- want them to get together?

If the answer is yes, how about having them get together virtually? Google Docs, no matter what you are developing (a report, equations, a presentation, etc.), all of that can be done on it. 1) Students can develop presentation jointly even while having a conversation simultaneously about what needs to be included or excluded. 2) Learners can be working on a report, e.g., and in different parts of it synchronously and sharing feedback for one another either while talking or chatting. And 3) What about brainstorming? It can be a great place to share ideas and keep a record of them while conversing or chatting at the same time. Google Docs is a great synchronous tool to be implemented and used with or among students. “Anyone who is in the market for word processing software should take a look at Google Docs. Some may be uncomfortable relying on web-based software. However, with collaboration tools and online storage, Google Docs will appeal to Word users who work on multiple computers or who collaborate with others” (Marshall, n.d.), and who lack time to get together with peers to plan presentations, write reports, and so on.

Though Google Docs along with Google Talk is a great tool, AnyMeeting.Com is a free online application when more than two people need to work simultaneously. Google Docs is a great tool to work on a one to one basis, but if more people need to collaborate, AnyMeeting is a better option. “Users can host an unlimited number of webinars, with up to 200 users per session. It is easy to easy to use, so even first-time hosts will be able to easily find their way around the software” (Warren, n.d.). As a teacher then, a) I can

create a virtual classroom to meet with three or more students with or without the use of webcams, something Skype cannot do unless you pay for that service. b) I can mute or promote speakers so they can take control of the class in case I want them to voice opinions or comment. c) I can even show them anything I have on my computer desktop including videos that they can actually see and hear. If students are taught to use tools like this, life can go on though they may be miles apart or lacking the time to commute to have a conversation about a college project.

Synchronous tools are indeed important to be shared and promoted among students who cannot get together due to their tight schedules. Tools like Google Docs and AnyMeeting favor cooperative learning among learners who have a difficulty in moving from one place to another. And even if they may be out of the country, they can join meetings and participate actively. And what if the instructor needs to be away, too?

He can create a virtual classroom for all of them to continue with instruction and fostering learning.

References Marshall, J. (n.d.). Google Docs Online Word Processing Software. Retrieved from About.Com: http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/choosingsoftware/gr/writerly.htm Smith, R. (2012, May 23). Synchronous vs Asynchronous Communication and why it matters to you as a doctor. Retrieved from iMedicalApps: http://www.imedicalapps.com/2012/05/synchronous-asynchronouscommunication/ Warren, G. (n.d.). AnyMeeting Review - Free Web Conferencing Tool. Retrieved from About.Com: http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/conferencing-andcollaboration/fr/freebinar-review.htm