Synchronous Online Learning Research Articles

The Impact of Multimodal Communication on Learners’ Experience in a Synchronous Online Environment: A Mixed-Methods Study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020 onwards, the adoption of synchronous online learning increased rapidly. It offers students a unique learning experience, utilizing communication modes from both in-person and asynchronous online classes. This mixed-methods study examined the impact of modes of communication (visual, bodily behaviors, spoken language, and written language) found in synchronous online contexts on students’ learning experiences from the perspective of social presence and teaching presence, as well as their satisfaction with synchronous online learning experience. An online survey was distributed first to collect quantitative data. The survey results indicated that four different modes influenced students’ communication to a different extent, with written and spoken language being the most effective modes of online communication. These modes were also significantly positively correlated with social presence, teaching presence, and student satisfaction; however, only spoken language was a significant predictor of student satisfaction. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine students’ perceptions of how multimodality affects social presence, teaching presence, and satisfaction with online learning. This led to five major themes and highlighted how multiple modes of communication supports social presence, thereby helping teachers scaffold students. In addition, the online learning context impacts type of instruction, and the reduced distance between teachers and students improves teaching presence; however, the students felt a lack of affective belonging in their online classes. This study also provided implications for course instructors and designers to help them effectively adopt different modes in synchronous online environments and promote social and teaching presence.

수학교실담론에 나타난 실시간 쌍방향 수업의 요소별 양상 분석: 권위 개념을 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to explore how the elements of synchronous online learning emerge in mathematics classroom discourse through an authority lens. To this end, we analyzed synchronous online learning classes for 5th to 6th graders. Elements of synchronous online learning were divided into delivery system, interaction, content, and learners; and data modeling tasks were implemented. Findings indicate that the delivery system has both potential and risk for sharing authority in mathematics classroom discourses, and four types of interactions are formed (or not formed) in a differentiated manner, respectively. In addition, mathematics classroom discourses, such as providing teacher feedback and encouraging students supported students’ shared authority. Further, the content element combined with other elements, was found to influence sharing authority. These findings reveal some aspects that teachers should consider in designing and implementing synchronous online learning for shared authority.

Technology-enhanced learning interventions on skin of colour dermatology for dermatology trainees and fellows: are they effective or sustainable?

Recent shifts towards synchronous online learning and raised awareness of ethnic inequalities in health have resulted in the establishment of frequent 'one-off' technology-enhanced learning (TEL) initiatives on diversity issues. There is little established evidence regarding the efficacy or sustainability of such interventions. We designed a prospective cohort pilot study including 14 dermatology registrars and fellows and delivered a TEL programme focusing on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and keloid scarring. Information was collected on the existing competence and confidence of our cohort about managing these conditions, as well as the short-term and long-term impact of our intervention. Following our programme, participant knowledge improved transiently, but was not sustainable 6 weeks later. Over half of participants were not confident in adopting newly acquired knowledge on skin of colour into practice. Results demonstrate a disparity between how effective one-off education initiatives are perceived vs. actual benefit. More systemic solutions may be warranted.

How the Education Industries React to Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in COVID-19: Multigroup Analysis Insights for Future Online Education

The phenomenon of the COVID-19 pandemic requires prevention actions, such as social and physical distancing. In education, there is no choice but to adapt to online learning from traditional face-to-face learning. Online learning is divided into two approaches, namely synchronous and asynchronous learning. In practice, both synchronous and asynchronous learning have their respective advantages and disadvantages that can affect the efficiency and the effectiveness of online learning that are felt by students. The present study has analyzed students’ acceptance of synchronous learning and asynchronous learning by comparing the results of the two approaches that were used in educational institutions. Data from 162 respondents in the synchronous and 147 asynchronous online learning surveys were obtained through distributing online questionnaires. The present research utilized multigroup partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results indicate that students’ acceptance of synchronous online learning is influenced by the characteristics of the teachers, technological innovations, and the quality of the learning system. At the same time, the teacher characteristics, the organizational and technical support, technological innovations, and the trust affect the acceptance of asynchronous online learning. The R2 that was generated from the two groups was 58 percent and 62 percent for synchronous and asynchronous learning, respectively. The managerial implications that can be implemented are also described here in order to assist institutions in increasing the acceptance of synchronous and asynchronous online learning for future online education.

Online learning implementation in the faculty of social sciences during the covid-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the field of education. Online learning is the right solution to replace in-person learning. Improvement and development of the online learning process are really needed to provide a meaningful learning experience for students. This study aimed to examine the implementation of online learning in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta/FIS UNY during the pandemic. The quantitative observational approach with a cross-sectional survey was employed with the qualitative method done in group discussions. The respondents were selected using proportional stratified random sampling on all study programs in FIS UNY. Data were collected through an online survey and limited interviews to investigate students’ and lecturers’ experiences of online learning more deeply. In FIS UNY, online learning was mostly conducted through online synchronous learning. Besides, online learning was done using a learning management system developed by the university (BeSmart). There were several factors that influenced the practice of online learning at the faculty, namely the availability of learning devices, speed and stability of internet connection, and conducive learning environment. As many as 25.6% of students had issues related to learning devices. Then, 66.9% of the students stated that they did not have a stable internet connection which caused problems during the learning process. At last, 62.79% of the students admitted that it was difficult to focus on the learning process because their learning environment was not conducive. Besides IT skills, students’ independence and learning motivation were the internal factors influencing the online learning process. Another issue related to online learning was the lack of responses and feedback from the lecturers on the activities done by the students.

How should webcams be used in online learning under COVID‐19: A co‐orientation analysis of teachers' and students' perceptions of student social presence on webcam

AbstractBackgroundThe existing literature has predominantly focused on instructor social presence in videos in an asynchronous learning environment and little is known about student social presence on webcam in online learning in the context of COVID‐19.ObjectivesThis paper therefore contrasts students' and teachers' perspectives on student social presence on webcam in synchronous online teaching through co‐orientation analysis.MethodsData were collected through an online questionnaire with 14 statements that measured participants' perceptions of webcam use in three constructs in social presence (i.e., emotional expression, open communication, and cohesion). 154 students and 36 teachers from two higher education institutions in Hong Kong responded to the questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using the co‐orientation model.Results and conclusionResults reveal the perceptual gaps between teachers and students on the use of webcam to promote student social presence by showing how teachers were comparatively more positive about its impacts for learning and consistently overestimated students' preference for it. Through analysing individual constructs/items, this paper argues that using webcams in synchronous online learning could enhance student social presence only to a limited extent in that it may help improve emotional expression and open communication but not cohesion.ImplicationsThe paper advises against the adoption of a clear‐cut policy that webcams should be either recommended or not recommended for online learning. Instead, teachers should take into account students' perspective to find out the types of activities that are apt for using webcams in online learning, and reflective tasks and oral assessments were amongst the ones considered appropriate by students in the study.

Engaging learners in synchronous online learning.

Engagement is positively correlated with many educational outcomes. However, engaging learners in online learning is often challenging. In this study, a conceptual framework comprising five interrelated factors (instructors, learners, content, technology, and environments) was proposed. The purpose of the study was to explore how learners could be engaged by following the conceptual framework in synchronous online learning. Fifty-five adult learners took part in the study. Specific strategies were applied in four classes. A survey with 38 five-point Likert scale items and an open-ended question was administered. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Results showed that instructors, learners, and content were the core factors affecting learners’ engagement. Comparatively, the learners’ engagement was less affected by the factors of technology and environments. Results further showed that useful strategies to engage learners included providing opportunities for instructors and peers to interact frequently; having relevant content that could apply to practice; involving interactive activities like group discussions and peer feedback; and having informal conversations with individual learners. This study suggests that future studies can investigate facilitating synchronous online discussions, establishing social connectedness, and using technology to monitor learners’ engagement automatically.

Student Engagement, Learning Environments and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Psychology and Engineering Undergraduate Students in the UK

This study compared student learning engagement from two UK departments exploring their participation in face-to-face and synchronous online learning environments. Overall, 446 undergraduate students from Psychology (soft/non-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) discipline) and Electrical Engineering and Electronics (EEE) (hard/STEM discipline) completed an online questionnaire over the second semester of the 2020–2021 academic year, where the teaching was mainly online. The questionnaire included validated scales regarding teaching and students’ characteristics and an open-ended question regarding the role of learning environments. There was a significant difference between the two learning environments in both departments, with most of the students believing that they were better engaged with their learning process in face-to-face environments (quantitative analysis). Additionally, the thematic analysis of student qualitative responses revealed that online student engagement was influenced by (1) Behaviour, (2) Affective, and (3) Cognitive challenges (i.e., additional workload, lack of communication and distractions in the home environment) and opportunities (i.e., the effective use of study time and online content through interactive learning environments). This study could assist academics, university policymakers, and researchers to understand student engagement alongside learning environments, reconsidering the opportunities and challenges that were gained from online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preservice Music Educators’ Perceptions of Online Synchronous Fieldwork: A Case Study

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to examine preservice music educators’ perceptions of teaching voice lessons to elementary and secondary students during an online synchronous fieldwork experience. I used Garrison et al.’s Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework to analyze the participants’ perceptions of cognitive presence (i.e., triggering events, exploration, integration, and resolution), social presence (i.e., emotional expression, open communication, and group cohesion), and teaching presence (i.e., structure and design of the fieldwork experience). During initial lessons, participants cited mostly triggering events and exploration, which occurred alongside indicators of social presence. Participants cited technological challenges associated with online synchronous learning (i.e., teaching presence) may have hindered instances of integration and resolution. Music teacher educators may consider using the CoI framework to structure collaborative and supportive online synchronous fieldwork experiences.

COVID-19 Pandemi Döneminde Diş Hekimliği Fakültelerinde Uygulanan Eğitim Yöntemlerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı COVID-19 pandemi döneminde diş hekimliği fakültelerinde uygulanan eğitim yöntemlerinin, öğrencilerin eğitime erişimlerinin ve eğitimin etkinliğinin lisans öğrencileri tarafından değerlendirilmesidir.
 
 Gereç ve yöntem: Anket çalışmasına 985 gönüllü diş hekimliği lisans öğrencisi katılmıştır. Ankette demografik verileri elde etmeye ve pandemi dönemindeki teorik, preklinik ve klinik eğitimi değerlendirmeye yönelik sorular yöneltilmiştir. 
 
 Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %98,1’i teorik eğitimin çevrimiçi senkron olarak uygulandığını belirtmiştir. Öğrencilerin çoğunluğu (%78,9) diş hekimliği eğitiminin yüzyüze olmasını tercih etmektedir. Uzaktan eğitimle yetkinlik kazanılması en zor diş hekimliği branşının sırasıyla protez (%37,3), cerrahi (%29,6) ve endodonti (%25) olduğu bildirilmiştir. Vakıf üniversitelerinde hem preklinik hem de klinik eğitimde yüz yüze eğitime büyük oranda geçilmişken, devlet üniversitelerinde anketin uygulandığı tarih aralığında henüz yüz yüze eğitime geçilmemiştir.
 
 Sonuç: Preklinik ve klinik eğitimde pandemi koşullarında bir altın standart oluşturulamamıştır. Bu tür salgınların diş hekimliği eğitimi üzerine olumsuz etkisini en aza indirmek için uygulamalı derslere yönelik yeni yöntemlerin geliştirilmesi, klinik şartlarının iyileştirilmesi ve imkanların genişletilmesi gerekmektedir.

Online student tutorials for effective peer teaching in digital times: a longitudinal quantitative study

BackgroundPeer-assisted learning represents a favoured method of teaching in universities. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated transferring medical education to digital formats, and subsequently, the question has arisen of whether online tutorials might be effective. This study, thus, investigated the efficacy of online tutorials in a communication course by assessing the interaction, verbal communication, and nonverbal communication of tutors and students.MethodsSecond-year medical students were invited to participate in this longitudinal quantitative study. Validated and self-developed questionnaires (e.g., Jefferson Empathy Scale) including 39 questions (rated on a 7- or 5-point Likert scale) were used to assess the different variables including interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and students’ learning success.ResultsOut of 165 medical students, 128 took part in the study. The students as well as tutors reported that they found each other likeable (Mstudents = 4.60±0.71; Mtutors = 4.38±0.53; p > .05). Learning success increased throughout the communication course (Cohen’s d = 0.36–0.74). The nonverbal and verbal communication in the simulated patient (SP) encounter was also rated as high by all three groups (Mnonverbal = 3.90±0.83; Mverbal = 4.88±0.35).ConclusionsInteraction as well as nonverbal and verbal communication occurred in the online format, indicating that online tutorials can be effective. The implementation of SPs increases the efficiency of synchronous online learning as it enhances the simulation of a real patient–physician encounter. Thus, online tutorials are a valuable amendment to medical education.

Teachers Practices on the Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Through Synchronous Online Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper demonstrates an analysis of a systematic review based on the various past studies related to teacher practices on the implementation of communicative language teaching (CLT) via synchronous online learning. All the past studies are reviewed from 2015 to 2021 with the total of fifteen studies. This paper aims to review and highlight on the implementation of communicative language teaching (CLT) through synchronous online learning by the teachers that focusing on three major objectives which are how CLT is implemented via synchronous online learning, the challenges faced by teachers in conducting CLT via synchronous online learning, and the effectiveness of CLT via synchronous online learning. The findings indicate that various online platforms can be utilized in assisting teachers to implement CLT during synchronous online learning. The most used apps based on the past studies is Zoom Meeting and followed by Discord, Google Meet, Google Classroom, Webex, Youtube, WhatsApp and Email. Although there are various technologies and online platforms that have been advocated for the application of CLT via synchronous online learning, the problems and constraints still arose during the lesson for both teachers and students. For the teachers they had difficulties affiliated to the readiness in adapting e-learning, the accessibility to e-learning devices and classroom management issues. However, for the students the problems are related to their attention spans, difficulty to apprehend the task, limited access to direct interactive communication and limitation to online learning access. Apart from that, most of the teachers agree that implementing CLT through synchronous online learning brings more drawbacks and hinder them to achieve the teaching and learning objectives to the fullest.

Socrates on Slack: Text-based, persistent-chat platforms as an alternative to “Zoom classes” in synchronous online learning

“Zoom class” has become a prevailing norm for online synchronous learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Zoom classes are often associated with fatigue and lack of student engagement. Theories of computer-mediated communication suggest that text-based, low-bandwidth, online communication may yield more positive communication outcomes than face-to-face and high-bandwidth channels. This paper introduces an innovative teaching method that uses Slack—a text-based, persistent-chat platform in online synchronous classes. Courses Instructors can implement this learning method into a wide variety of courses that benefit from in-class discussions and student participation. Objectives This teaching practice will help improve students’ engagement and buy-in in synchronous online classes.

Impact of instructor on-slide presence in synchronous e-learning

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education programs had to switch to synchronous online teaching. Teachers suddenly faced pressing unaddressed challenges, such as how to better transfer their “presence” from the traditional classroom to the online space in a way that keeps students engaged. This paper explores new venues for increasing the quality of synchronous online learning. We propose the notion of broad on-slide presence, pillared on an increased instructor expressiveness and an elevated instructor slide-content interaction. We conducted four studies to investigate the benefits of delivering lectures in this format, using a mixed methods research approach. We combined survey methodology with transversal design and structural equation modelling with qualitative methodology using discourse analysis of teacher interviews. Results revealed a significant increase in perceived knowledge gain and attentional engagement, and an improved and more personal student experience. At the same time, the instructor’s broader on-slide presence also resulted in an increased teacher satisfaction.

Students’ Perceptions of Synchronous Online Learning using Google Meet in a Reading Class

The purpose of this research is to investigate the students’ perceptions of synchronous online learning using Google Meet. Synchronous online learning is applied to facilitate the students to acquire knowledge during this pandemic. However, the students’ perception of the synchronous online using Google Meet in a specific skill in ELT is still understudied. A qualitative case study was used to investigate this phenomenon. The participants of this study were 18 students in the first semester who were Electrical Engineering major. The participants were chosen purposively due to class participation and willingness. The data was gathered from the questionnaire and interviews. It was analyzed using the Interactive Model of Data Analysis. This study exposed that the students positively perceived implementing synchronous online learning using Google Meet in reading class. They pointed out that it could help the students read more and feel motivated to be active. It also aided to increase their reading by online discussion. However, they found some challenges which they perceived during synchronous online learning. The challenges came from environmental, technical, and personal problems. The implication of this study relates to continuing the teaching-learning process of synchronous online learning using Google Meet. It provides some benefits that support the teaching learning process. Then, the institution and the government should support and promote the effectiveness of synchronous online learning by improving their learning and providing the necessary learning infrastructure for all students.

Bichronous online learning: Award-winning online instructor practices of blending asynchronous and synchronous online modalities

Bichronous Online Learning is the blending of asynchronous and synchronous online learning. In this qualitative study, 12 award-winning online instructors were interviewed for their online teaching practices focused on blending, design, facilitation, and assessment of asynchronous and synchronous online modalities. Data was collected through virtual interviews which were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Award-winning instructor practices of blending are discussed through their blending decisions, sequences, and models. Instructors shared their decisions related to blending, such as modality purposes, affordances, and required or optional synchronous sessions. Blending sequences that emerged were asynchronous followed by synchronous, asynchronous followed by synchronous and then asynchronous again. Blending models that resulted were the complement model, replacement model and enhancement model. Asynchronous and synchronous design, facilitation and assessment strategies used by the award-winning online instructors are discussed in detail. The findings have implications for online instructors, students, instructional designers and administrators.

The Importance of Ending Well: A Virtual Last Class Workshop for Course Evaluation and Evolution

The last class session of the academic term represents an excellent opportunity to solicit meaningful feedback from students who have just completed the course. To capitalize on the students’ first-hand knowledge of their own experiences with our course and maximize the impact of the last class for our Canadian graduate-level genetics course, we have used and optimized a workshop first described by Bleicher (2011) as a means of obtaining real-time, in-person course evaluations, and driving course evolution. Presented as an empowering opportunity for student activism, students are asked to contribute collaboratively to improving future iterations of the course. This approach stimulates thoughtful discussions, generates honest and useful feedback, and requires only nominal preparative work on the part of the instructor, whose primary role during the workshop is as a facilitator. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve assessed student perceptions of two virtual models for the Last Class Workshop—one using Google Docs, a free web-based word processor, and another using Miro, a collaborative whiteboard platform—to identify whether or not the Last Class Workshop can be effectively translated for a synchronous online learning environment. Student responses to the virtual workshops have been highly positive, and participants overwhelmingly preferred the Miro adaptation. We suggest that this is an effective way to access the expert knowledge of our students to develop innovative adaptations, updates, and evolutionary change at the end of a course, and conclude with a proposal for maintaining this virtual tool after in-person learning resumes.

The Efforts to Increase Teacher's Competence in Online Learning Through Megicom Workshop During The Covid -19 Pandemic

This research aims ro improve teacher`s competence in online learning through Megicom Workshop during the Covid-19 pandemic in the 2020/2021 academic year of SMA Negeri 9 Bogor. This research was conducted in two cycles with 45 teachers in SMA Negeri 9 Bogor. The research was carried out for 5 (five) months, namely July - November 2020. Based on the reasearch results, after going through the Digital Media Competency Workshop, the competence of teachers in carrying out synchronous online learning has increased. From the results of observations through academic supervision, it was found that in cycle 1, as many as 38% were very good in carrying out online learning activities in the classroom, 49% were good, and 13% were quite good in carrying out online learning activities in the classroom. While in cycle 2, 49% were very good in carrying out synchronous online learning activities, 51% were good, and there was no longer sufficient category). The competence of teachers in implementing synchronous online learning has increased. The results showed that in cycle 1, as many as 42% were very good at carrying out synchronous online learning activities, 47% were good, and 11% were quite good in implementing asynchronous learning activities. While in cycle 2, 60% were very good in carrying out asynchronous online learning activities, 40% were good, and there was no longer sufficient category. The average value of supervision results in synchronous classroom management, has increased from 85.14 to 87.64. Meanwhile, the average value of supervision results in asynchronous classroom management has increased from 85.06 to 87.47. The competence of teachers in the use of digital media has increased, after participating in the Megicom Workshop. This can be seen from the increasingly varied media used, such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Quizizz, Google Meet, Zoom Meeting, Instagram, and YouTube. It could be be concluded that the competence of teachers in online learning during the Covid -19 pandemic at SMA Negeri 9 Bogor for the 2020/2021 academic year could be improved through the Megicom Workshop.

The implementation of bichronous online learning: EFL students’ perceptions and challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has made online learning as a common instructional delivery today. Since various methods, approaches, and technologies are involved, it is important to understand students’ perceptions for taking further decision in teaching. The current research aimed to investigate Indonesian students’ perceptions of the implementation of bichronous online learning along with the challenges in the level of higher education. Bichronous online learning refers to the blending between asynchronous and synchronous online learning. In this study, asynchronous learning was carried out through Edmodo while the synchronous mode was implemented via Zoom. The participants were 57 first-year university students who experienced full bichronous online learning in the English for Specific Purposes class. This research applied explanatory sequential mixed-methods as suggested by Creswell (2014). The quantitative data were obtained by Likert-scale questionnaires while the qualitative data were acquired through interviews and observations. The results indicated that students had positive perceptions of bichronous online learning in terms of motivations, academic achievement, and communication and interactions. Bichronous online learning promoted students’ engagement, active interaction, and feedback exchange which highly contributed to their learning outcome. However, technical issues such as poor internet connection and limited data plan were the biggest challenges faced by the students. It is expected that educators can adjust which online learning tools are convenient to use and cater to students’ needs.

Correlation Between Learning Motivation and Satisfaction in Synchronous On-the-Job Online Training in the Public Sector.

Non-governmental organizations often regard expanding revenue and reducing costs as standard procedures to achieve corporate sustainability, while at the same time considering human resources as important assets. Government agencies have greater flexibility in staffing, and their human resource strategies for employee education and training often use organizational learning to develop operational performance. Training is regarded as a panacea for corporate sustainability and channels have been established to support employees' learning. Curriculum development of synchronous online learning is an approach that requires further investigation. We distributed 360 questionnaires to supervisors and employees of the Taipei City Government, Taiwan. A total of 268 valid copies were retrieved, giving a response rate of 74%. The study results are expected to help public sector employers enhance employee cohesiveness and generate more operational team spirit.