How does integrating synchronous learning sessions within the online environment assist in developing a learning community for students?

The synchronous learning session benefits the students and teachers on a very basic level by allowing all a chance to interact with each other and get acquainted in real time. This type of classroom allows for the instructor to provide immediate acknowledgement to student input and contributions, helping to create a stronger instructor presence. Additionally students are able to learn from their peers and strengthen critical thinking skills while being involved in the active participation of an immediate chat session.

The use of open-ended and comparison questions in a real-time online classroom environment can be effective in engaging students. With use of technology including video and audio and instructional methods such as the sharing of Powerpoint slides, students can gain confidence in the technology while becoming familiar and comfortable with the learning platform.