Synchronous Communication

The main difference between teaching online and teaching in the traditional classroom are the forms of communication. In the traditional classroom, you can see facial expressions, student reactions, get immediate feedback, and talk in real time. This is known as synchronous (live, real-time) communication. Although it is live, synchronous communication can also take place in the online class.

Some examples of synchronous communication are:

• Face to face talking or sign language
• Telephones, cell phones
• Compressed video teleconferences
• Chat rooms
• Instant Messengers

Characteristics of synchronous communication

• Instantaneous, immediate response
• Feedback can be negotiated in real-time
• Many times, the instructor can adjust or revise the content in real-time according to how the students are reacting to the material.

Advantages of synchronous communication

• Students are accustomed to the real-time interaction and lecture type learning format. They grew up learning in this type of environment.
• Feedback is immediate- Students can get answers immediately and continue to move on in their learning.
• Students can interact and exchange ideas in real-time small groups to enhance the creative process.
• Hands on exercises amplifies the learning process.

In this respect, synchronous learning is a huge advantage for learners in a traditional class because students can “pick the brains” of their instructor and also interact with their fellow classmates -all in real time. The instructor can leave details out of activities and lectures because they can simply explain it during class. Not the case in an online class.

Disadvantages to Synchronous Communication

• Students may feel intimidated or embarrassed to truly express their thoughts or questions in the classroom among other students or in the presence of the instructor.
• Conflicting schedules- Requires students to be somewhere at a certain time. This is true for both a traditional course setting and even a chat room.
• Lectures lend themselves to note-taking in which the student can miss key points trying to keep up.
• Students are traditionally in the context of a classroom which could be too hot, too cold, too nice outside, bad weather, etc. All effecting students willingness to learn.