Welcome to the Online Synchronous Teaching Guide!
On this site you can:
- Browse a list of goals to consider when teaching in online synchronous environments
- Explore a series of recommendations for planning your online synchronous session and teaching your online synchronous session.
- Review guidance around using Moodle to support learning and tips on preparing students and helping them understand how to learn best
- Review example activities for group work, polling, and building community
- Explore the technologies available and supported by the Learning Technology & Innovation team at TRU to help you achieve certain functions in the classroom
What is Online Synchronous?
According to the draft definitions from the TRUly Flexible initiative, Online Synchronous is a mode of teaching where courses are delivered entirely online in a live, synchronous format with the same academic schedule and contact hours as in-person courses. Students and their instructor are co-present in a synchronous online environment and participate in ways similar to an in person course.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Online Synchronous Learning
- Provides opportunity for asking and answering of questions in real time, as they come up
- Provides opportunity for spontaneous interaction and exchange between students and with the instructor
- Provides opportunity for instructors to check in with students and get feedback on their learning
- Adds the “human” element
- Builds classroom community through real-time interaction
- Increases the number of “social” interactions (interactions not related to course content)
Disadvantages of Online Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning can widen the divide for learners with:
- Certain disabilities
- Unstable Internet access
- Inequitable access to device and other equipment
- Caregiving responsibilities
- No access to a suitable space to participate
- Time zone differences