Communicate 2 – Synchronous Sessions

Reflect: Reflect upon the importance of utilizing a synchronous session to “create a true classroom culture” online.

Answer: 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.

Create:  An outline or lesson plan of a 30 minute synchronous session which you would facilitate.  What activities would you include?  What transitions are needed? How might you use the session as a formative assessment? How would your session build a learning community among your students?

A synchronous learning session can make an online class feel more like a “real” classroom environment, by creating relationships between the student and teacher and also between the students. Within the relationship between the teacher and student, a synchronous session can let the teacher know exactly what each student is having trouble with, which might not happen without these sessions. These session also can create more authentic engagement for the students, whereas without them, they might just be going through the motions.

Lesson Plan:

Students will have watched “One-Sided Limits” PPT with Commentary prior to session.

Session will begin with a Q&A on the PPT and Homework they have completed (about 10 minutes).

I will then present an introduction to Two- Sided Limits (about 20 minutes).

I will be able to use the session as a formative assessment through the Q&A, as it will become apparent who watched and completed their homework, as the students will not be able to participate if they have not. The session will build a learning community among students by creating interaction, as I would encourage student who know the answer to another students question to directly answer them.