Synchronous Online Instruction

Related topics: Asynchronous Instruction and Hybrid Instruction 

Synchronous Online or Virtual Instruction is a course delivery format that has a regular, scheduled class meeting time in a virtual environment (like Zoom or Microsoft Teams). Classes meet during the days and times listed in the course schedule, but the meeting time is virtual rather than in a physical classroom space. This time can be spent in a large group or with students in breakout rooms for smaller group and other focused activities.  

Tools that support Synchronous Online Instruction  

Zoom or Microsoft Teams 

These tools allow the instructor to schedule virtual class meetings with students. During these meetings, instructors can present topics, share presentations, lead students in exercises, engage them in a large group discussion (by unmuting or using the chat feature), survey students with quick questions, and break students into smaller groups for discussions and exercises. Links to course materials can be shared in the chat as needed.  

Resource: Leading Synchronous Online/Virtual Discussions 

Citation: Fedesco, H. N. (2020). Leading Synchronous Online Discussions. Vanderbilt University Course Development Resources. https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cdr/module-2/leading-synchronous-online-discussions/ 

Qwickly Attendance 

Qwickly is an attendance tool that can be used in any course delivery method, but it offers a check-in feature that can be helpful in a Synchronous Online Instruction environment. With this feature, you can share a code at the start of the class meeting and students check themselves in. This automatically takes attendance for the instructor, eliminating the need to manually enter attendance information. Manual attendance options are still available, but the check-in feature may allow for a smoother attendance taking experience with a larger group in a virtual setting.  

Panopto 

If class meeting time is not used for lectures and topic presentations, instructors can create and share Panopto recordings with students through Canvas. Breaking up topics and keeping videos brief will support student engagement. Seven minutes is a good maximum length to keep in mind for each video.  

Resource: Quality Matters Video Length 

Sharing Course Content through Canvas 

Additional course materials, including Canvas assignments, Canvas quizzes, external links, documents, and media can be placed in the appropriate module for each virtual class meeting. Students can access as needed and classroom time can be flipped if materials are made available before the class meeting. In a flipped classroom, students are expected to review materials before meeting. Instructors can notify students of this expectation in a variety of ways, including Canvas messaging or Canvas announcements. It is also best to discuss and reinforce in person, during virtual meetings.  

Resource: Flipping the Classroom

Citation: Brame, C. (2013). Flipping the classroom. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved September 13, 2022 from http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/flipping-the-classroom/. 

Additional Resoures