This past week's topic was synchronous online learning. My classmates did an excellent job of hosting two synchronous learning events and leading an asynchronous discussion about those events and the topic. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend either of the live events, but I appreciated the week's discussion, tutorials, and related resources.
I must say that I still prefer asynchronous to synchronous. I like to be able to take in, process, and reflect upon the content or my classmates contributions before I respond. The synchronous format just doesn't allow for that in the same way that asynchronous learning does. That said, I can certainly see a place for synchronous learning, and I was grateful for the opportunity this week to learn more about it. Some of my key takeaways from this week are:
The importance of practice. While it is critical that a facilitator has time to practice using the synchronous learning technology before any events, it can also be extremely helpful for learners to have time to explore and practice using the technology as well.
The amount of preparation that goes into facilitating a synchronous learning event. Fancy technology is no substitute for proper planning and instructional design. Not only must facilitators be well-practiced at utilizing the technology, they must plan for engaging collaborative activities that take full advantage of the platform and the time together.
The amazing tools and features available through synchronous learning platforms. I had attended a few WebEx meetings for work years ago, but admittedly, I never took the time to explore the site's capabilities. One of this week's sessions took place through WebEx, while the other was conducted using Adobe Connect. I viewed the tutorials that my classmates put together for both, and I was pleasantly surprised at all of the tools available to promote collaborative learning. In particular, I am intrigued by the white board and breakout group features.
I do not have any immediate plans to engage in synchronous distance learning, but after this week, I can certainly see a place for it and feel that I have a much better grasp of the possibilities. Should an opportunity arise in the future for me to participate in or conduct a synchronous learning event, I will be eager to explore this format further!
I must say that I still prefer asynchronous to synchronous. I like to be able to take in, process, and reflect upon the content or my classmates contributions before I respond. The synchronous format just doesn't allow for that in the same way that asynchronous learning does. That said, I can certainly see a place for synchronous learning, and I was grateful for the opportunity this week to learn more about it. Some of my key takeaways from this week are:
The importance of practice. While it is critical that a facilitator has time to practice using the synchronous learning technology before any events, it can also be extremely helpful for learners to have time to explore and practice using the technology as well.
The amount of preparation that goes into facilitating a synchronous learning event. Fancy technology is no substitute for proper planning and instructional design. Not only must facilitators be well-practiced at utilizing the technology, they must plan for engaging collaborative activities that take full advantage of the platform and the time together.
The amazing tools and features available through synchronous learning platforms. I had attended a few WebEx meetings for work years ago, but admittedly, I never took the time to explore the site's capabilities. One of this week's sessions took place through WebEx, while the other was conducted using Adobe Connect. I viewed the tutorials that my classmates put together for both, and I was pleasantly surprised at all of the tools available to promote collaborative learning. In particular, I am intrigued by the white board and breakout group features.
I do not have any immediate plans to engage in synchronous distance learning, but after this week, I can certainly see a place for it and feel that I have a much better grasp of the possibilities. Should an opportunity arise in the future for me to participate in or conduct a synchronous learning event, I will be eager to explore this format further!