Reflect upon the importance of utilizing a synchronous session to “create a true classroom culture” online. How does integrating synchronous learning sessions within the online environment assist in developing a learning community for students? Discuss this question at length in your blog.
As a former classroom teacher, it still baffles me as to how a learning environment can be created via distance. In many instances, students feed off of the energy of their teacher and leads to an interaction between student and teacher that results in true learning. The synchronous sessions would provide at least an avenue to develop that face-to-face camaraderie and emphasize to the student that the teacher is knowledgeable and has the students' best interest at heart.
Blackboard presents the tool that would best suit my needs for establishing a synchronous session. The ease of use and established reputation of the program provide a level of assurance that your session isn't terminated midstream. Never really had much luck with Skype as the program has always been very finicky...technical term for undependable. While synchronous sessions make up a small percentage of the classroom meetings, it is critical to ensure that the session is well planned and covers all of the most relevant material. Instructors must also be cognizant of time constraints and prioritize what information is critical to their students' success.
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