Synchronous Sessions

Some great comments were posted concerning face-to-face meetings in online distance learning programs. Most agreed that while f2f meetings are a nice addition, they are not always practical and not the only method of fostering community. The reason that most online learners choose the online format is due the fact that f2f is not possible for them.

So the idea of a “synchronous component” was mentioned as a way that “students and teachers can share their worlds with each other without the need to physically visit.” This is a good transition into my next area of interest...synchronous sessions in online programs. I have personally used Centra, Wimba, and Skype as synchronous tools in online situations. I have used them for mainly classroom needs, but a little for social activity.

So, more questions to ponder and hopefully get some input to...Have you (as student or facilitator) used synchronous tools to develop social interaction (beyond academic needs) between students and/or faculty? What did you do? How did it work it out? What tools did you use? Recommendations and other comments on this subject...there are no wrong answers...these are your opinions.