Synchronicity in Online Learning

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Synchronicity in Online Learning

• Maryland Distance Learning
• Association Conference
• March 2008

2
Introductions

• Anita Crawley
• Interim Director of Distance Learning
• Ed Riggs
• Faculty and Chair, Communication Arts
  Technologies
• Patricia Johannsen
• Faculty, Communication Arts Technologies

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Agenda

• Why synchronous learning at all?
• Why synchronous learning in CAT?
• Demo of CAT courses using Elluminate
• Discussion

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The Montgomery College Pilot

• Elluminate - virtual classroom - synchronous
• Supplements a few online courses, and primary
  delivery mode for CAT
• Future use by counseling, faculty, staff, and
  administrators
• Meetings
• Virtual office hours
• Training
• Centers for Teaching and Learning
• Professional Development
• Workforce Development/Continuing Education

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What can you do with Elluminate?

• Live audio and video
• File application sharing
• Interactive whiteboard with many tools for
  collaboration and presentations
• Break out rooms for small group discussion
• Any where, but not any time
• Entire session is recorded

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Why do this?

• Its the closest thing to classroom teaching
• Provides immediacy and connection that is missing
  in text-based online teaching
• Brainstorming and collaboration
• Feedback builds and benefits from interactivity
• Retention and success rates in online courses are
  not as high as on-campus courses

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Common Myths

• Defeats the flexibility of distance learning
• Real time learning is like instant messaging (a
  lot of quick typing)
• It has to be synchronous or asynchronous
• Synchronous learning doesnt provide time to
  reflect
• There is no need for this tool to bring lectures
  online

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More Myths

• Full-screen video or bust
• Real-time online tools are expensive (well...
  maybe this isnt a myth!)
• Synchronous interaction is difficult to learn and
  hard to facilitate
• The technology has not yet matured

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Resources

• More details about the pilot...
• http//www.montgomerycollege.edu/distance/handbook
  /elluminate.html
• Get yourself a V-room 3 for Free!
• http//elluminate.com/vroom/

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Contact Information

• anita.crawley_at_montgomerycollege.edu
• 240-567-6001
• ed.riggs_at_montgomerycollege.edu
• 240-567-7529
• patricia.johannsen_at_montgomerycollege.edu
• 240-567-7517