{"id":411,"date":"2017-07-06T10:56:45","date_gmt":"2017-07-06T14:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/teachingresources\/teachingresources\/?page_id=411"},"modified":"2026-02-25T14:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T19:37:23","slug":"synchronous-learning-tools","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/teachingresources\/teaching-online\/synchronous-learning-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"Synchronous Learning Lessons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Synchronous Learning Lessons\n <\/h1>\n \n \n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Synchronous learning tools provide a virtual learning environment for students and allow for live classroom collaboration for distance learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a real-time, online lesson, the instructor and students meet via web-conferencing tools at scheduled days and times. Instructors and students share information, ideas and learning experiences in a virtual course environment. Synchronous sessions allow you to check in with your students on a regular basis. Breakout rooms are an especially good way for you to speak with students, since they allow students to ask questions in a smaller setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, when looking at transitioning to online teaching, there are several options to consider and many decisions to make. For example, you can try to find an online substitute for activities that you typically do with your students in the class. The other option is to introduce something new or different, because online teaching makes it possible or necessary. And yet another option is to reluctantly drop something that you would like to do but choose not to because the online teaching just wouldn\u2019t do it justice. Choose what feels comfortable for yourself and for your students!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For tips on asynchronous learning tools, check out this webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n Table of Contents\n <\/h2>\n
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\n \n 1.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Technical Requirements\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 2.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Ways to Use Synchronous Learning\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 3.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Lesson Planning for Synchronous Live Sessions\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 4.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Ideas for Synchronous Sessions\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 5.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Example of an Online Lesson Plan\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 6.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Record or Not to Record?\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 7.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Best Practices\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 8.\n <\/span>\n\n \n More information on synchronous web conferencing tools\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n \n 9.\n <\/span>\n\n \n Further reading\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Technical Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Participation in synchronous courses requires students to have reliable, high-speed internet access, a computer (ideally with a webcam), and a headset with a microphone. You might want to include in your syllabus the technical requirements for your course while also being open to allowing for accommodations\/alternative assessments if a student cannot meet the technical requirements. For help composing such a statement, check out Technical Specs for New Students<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Use Synchronous Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n