Classrooms without Faces: A Synchronous Online Teaching Experience

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Classrooms without FacesA Synchronous Online
Teaching Experience

• Dolly Samson, Ph.D.
• Weber State University
• Ogden, Utah, USA

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Overview

• The Instructor
• The Course
• The Virtual Classroom
• Problems Encountered
• Benefits Reaped
• Lessons Learned

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The Instructor

• Used Internet since 1974
• 1993 Introduced online components
• 1995 1-mo. Online from Lithuania
• 1996 Online course from Netherlands
• 1997 WSU Online created
• 2000 Moved to Hawaii, 100 online

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The Course

• Java Programming
• Senior level
• Required of IT majors
• Benefits from demonstrations and dialog
• http//wsuonline.weber.edu/course.ist.4710
• WSU Online
• Asynchronous environment
• Many teaching learning tools
• http//wsuonline.weber.edu

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The Virtual Classroom

• HPVC
• Hewlett Packard service, hosted _at_ HP
• Included VOIP
• Tools for
• PowerPoint slides
• Application sharing
• Private public discussions
• Whiteboard
• Ad hoc polling
• Shared web links
• http//www.hpe-learning.com/store/classroom.asp

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Main Classroom Window
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Group Chat
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Application Sharing
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Whiteboard
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Problems Encountered

• Server side
• Beta pilot
• Software required occasional plugin uploads
• VOIP quality was uneven
• Client side
• Inadequate system configuration, esp RAM
• Slides lagged voice
• System crashes
• Firewalls

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Benefits Reaped

• Flexibility in location
• Guest lecturers from different cities
• Hands-on with own workstation
• Missed meetings were archived

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Lessons Learned

• Java environment was difficult to set up, need
  better instructions
• Greater effort than traditional format
• Reduce voice as much as possible
• Write on the screen
• Upload notes in advance
• More exercises to keep students engaged
• Passing control to students
• Student presentations
• Hybrid environment may be optimum