Describes best practices for synchronous online instruction using CCC Confer (Elluminate) in higher education.

1. The Virtual Classroom: Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning Blaine Morrow FACC T&L Fall, 2010

2. Real-time Access to Peers, Instructors, Experts Tools for Hands-on Application or Reaction Guided Connections to Primary Resources Prompt Feedback Time on Task Inclusion of Diverse Learning Approaches/Styles Spontaneous Epiphanies Why Synchronous?

3. Using the Audio Tool Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

4. Use a Headset

5. Value Silence

6. The Most Important Content Delivery Method Available Increases Social Presence Accommodates Diverse Learning Styles Reasons for Using Audio

7. Explain Visuals with Narration Alone Don’t Let Students Put Phones on Hold Have Students Raise Their Hands to Speak Tips for Using Audio

8. Audio Responses are Transient Use Audio Along with Other Options for Communication Many Students are Self-Conscious About Audio Audio Caveats

9. Using the Web Cam Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

10. Use the Web Cam to Feel Connected

11. Don’t Use the Web Cam Throughout

12. Demonstrate with the Web Cam

13. Focus on Eye Contact: Look at the Camera Every Moment on Camera Matters (especially the first ones) Position the Camera so You Can Also See the Screen Authentic Surroundings, Good Lighting & Props Don’t Forget You’re On Camera Tips for Using the Web Cam

14. Technical Requirements, Bandwidth Video Can Distract Cognitive Resources Students Do Not Necessarily Learn More Deeply Because They Can See You Web Cam Caveats

15. Using the Chat Tool Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

16. Those Who Don’t Talk Will Chat

17. Seed the Chat Room

18. Monitor Chat Comments

19. Engage Students with Chat

20. 1 2 3: Put it in Your Chat Box!

21. Chat is Best When You Want All Students to Respond “Shy” Students Are More Likely to Interact via Chat Non-Threatening Way for Students to Ask Questions Good Brainstorming Tool Also good for Student-Student Interaction Always Keep an Eye on the Chat Area Tips for Using Chat

22. Limited Screen Real Estate Use Crowd Control for Large Classes Spontaneity Does Not Create Clear Prose Set Ground Rules Chat Caveats

23. Using Archives Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

24. Watch Your Own Archives

25. Use Archives to Extend Class Time

26. Make Your Archives Useful

27. Use a Secret Word

28. Use it as an Option to Attending a Live Class and as a Chance to Review for Better Understanding Great Tool for Improving Your Skills Inexpensive (free) Lecture Capture Tips for Using Archives

29. Tell Students They are Being Recorded If Attendance Lags, You’ll Have Less Interaction Archive Caveats

30. Keeping Students Engaged Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

31. Set the Tone

32. Circulate Among Students

33. Acknowledge Students’ Presence

34. Keep Things Moving

35. Miscellaneous Best Practices Best Practices for Synchronous e-Learning

36. Respect Deadlines

37. Disaster Recovery

38. Crashes and Recoveries

39. Let Students Help with Recovery

40. Know What Privileges to Give

41. Give Moderator Privilege - Sparingly

42. Use More Than One Computer

43. Audio: Use a Headset, Value Silence Web Cam: Use It, But Not a Lot Chat: Seed It, Monitor It, Use it for Everyone Archives: Watch Yourself, Extend Class Time, Make Them Useful, Use a Secret Word Interaction: Set Tone, Circulate, Acknowledge Students, Keep Things Moving Respect Time, Call Confer for Help, Give Control Away Carefully, Use Two Computers Summary