Reflect upon the importance of utilizing a synchronous session to “create a true classroom culture” online. How do integrating synchronous learning sessions within the online environment assist in developing a learning community for students?

I have used Blackboard Collaborate for synchronous sessions and I feel that this absolutely creates a true classroom culture.  It includes an interactive whiteboard, desktop sharing, breakout rooms and session recording.  Students are able to engage with their instructor as if they were face to face with very successful outcomes.  By using this synchronous tool, teachers can provide one-on-one personal help are much more personal than emails and phone conversations because of the interactive whiteboard board and desktop sharing features.   Incorporating synchronous tools in the virtual classroom adds a human element and makes the class more real world.  Instead of exchanging emails, the instructor can provide a time for real-time office hours in order to reach out to students and offer the extra help they need.  This opportunity affords a real community type experience for the students.  Being able to actually see the students work when the screens are shared is a powerful tool.  This live interaction increases learning and allows for effective communication. 

As a foreign language teacher, I find that this approach actually improves speaking proficiency in the foreign language.  Students tell me that they feel much less intimidated when speaking the target language online in a synchronous session.  Students are able to login to Blackboard Collaborate and speak to other students by participating in a group discussion.  This type of discussion motivates students to speak the language in a non-threatening manner. Using the chat feature during a session is another way for students to ask questions that I can answer during the session as well. 

Guidelines for a successful synchronous session:

• Have all presentations ready and uploaded.
• Have a plan to follow in order to stay on target and not waste valuable time.
• Be flexible in the beginning until students are comfortable with the technology.
• Provide a clear guide for logging in and how to participate.
• Instructors should always login early and have a backup plan in case of internet issues.
• Instructors should log in early to prepare for students.
• Provide differentiated activities to accommodate different learning styles.
• Be positive and friendly in order to motivate students to look forward to the next session :-)