Synchronous+Communication+(Tues+1pm)

=Group Trio Members:= Tanya Mayoh - Video-Conferencing E.g Skype Maria Carbone - Virtual Clasrooms E.g Global Virtual Classroom Amna Karra-Hassan - Instant Messaging

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= = = = =Synchronous Communication= Synchronous Communication can be simply defined as communication between individuals in 'real-time'. This form of communication is supported by technologies such as videoconferencing, IM (instant messaging), and virtual classrooms (Hrastinski, 2008). Synchronous communication is a vital part of learning as it creates learning communities and support networks for the learner. According to Hrastinski (2008) "Synchronous sessions help e-learners feel like participants rather than isolates...". In comparison to asynchronous learning, it definitely create a more social learning environment.


 * Benefits of synchronous learning include:**
 * Communication is in 'real time', thus students are able to receive instant feedback from the teacher and other students.
 * It encourages learners to interact with their peers, creating a more informal and social environment.
 * Collaboration in learning is far easier, thus the quality of learning is heightened.
 * It provides a support network for students.
 * It allows for distance learning, for example, where students are not able to gain access to learning facilities due to location or schedule, in an environment that can easily mirror that of a normal classroom.
 * Learners are more motivated to learn and complete work when in a face-to-face or 'real-time' environment.


 * Disadvantages of synchronous learning include:**
 * The informal social environment can have an effect on the learning process. It can easily be interrupted or driven of course into topics unrelated to what students should be learning.
 * The quality of the work produced in such an environment may not be as high as in an asynchronous learning environment. As there is only a limited amount of time for learning to take place, students are most likely to answer everything quickly, as opposed to in an asynchronous environment, where students have the time to reflect and collaborate on their answers.


 * Examples of technologies used in synchronous learning environments include:**
 * Videoconferencing using webcams. For example, Skype.
 * Virtual Classrooms
 * Instant Messaging


 * Below are links to pages containing case studies and examples of how these technologies have been utilized in synchronous learning environments.**

Example 1: Skype in Distance Learning (Tanya Mayoh 10724779)

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Hrastinski (2008) states that "E-learning, here defined as learning and teaching online through network technologies, is arguable one of the most powerful responses to the growing need for education". As access to communication technologies increases, synchronous communication has become a vital tool in E-learning, especially in distance education and learning. An example of a technology that has developed into a fundamental synchronous learning tool in distance learning is Skype.======

__eChinese Learning Site__

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The teachers (based in Beijing) are all experienced in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and are trained specifically to enrich their teaching in this online environment. There are different programs designed for different ages, different language proficiency, and different contexts (for example, a business context), all using face-to-face synchronous communication.======

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eChinese Learning is an online language school which bases its program on the use of Skype as a communication tool between their educators in China and learners situated around the world. eChinese Learning uses Skype to face-to-face synchronous learning that caters to the learners' individual needs. All the learner needs to be able to synchronously communicate with their teacher is a headset and a webcam. "Over 1000 students have participated in eChinese Learning programs worldwide from age 4 to 75, and the student base is growing rapidly". The learners are people who wish to further their knowledge and fluency in Chinese, but who are unable to do it through a typical educational environment and those whose daily schedule does not allow them the time to be able to learn Chinese in a conventional environment, such as business men and women. In particular, one businessman explains how eChinese Learning has not only helped him gain the language skills necessary in a business environment, but caters to his daily schedule. "They make it possible to study Chinese anytime, anywhere". The use of Skype allows the learner access to their teacher wherever in the world they may be, as long as they have an internet connection and a microphone. Skype is extremely beneficial in this context, as the learner does not even need their own computer to communicate with their teacher; it **makes learning easily acc****essible**.======

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The use of the technology Skype allows these learners to engage in synchronous communication with their teachers anywhere and anytime that suits them. The availability of different courses for different ages and levels of Chinese proficiency recognises that learners have different and individual needs according to their context. The teachers in China uses a blackboard to enhance the learning experience. This enables them to show the learner written examples of what word or phrase is being learned. For example, this is a great tool in the context of a learner who is studying Chinese at school and wants further tuition on their Chinese writing skills and receive **instant feedback**.======

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Although Skype has its benefits in distance learning, it also has disadvantages. Sometimes we put too much trust in technology; it is not perfect, and sometimes technology fails. Whilst Skype's audio and video quality is generally reported to be quite good even over long distances, this can not always be the case if the internet connection is not as fast as is necessary. In the context of eChinese Learning, a bussinessman who travels from his job may be in a remote location that does not have a fast enough internet connection that is required for the use of video-conferencing on Skype. This can cause problems, as it can cancel out the face-to-face component of learning - an imperative part of synchronous learning. Another issue is the problem of finding a window of time where the learner and teacher are available to have a face-to-face lesson. Time differences can cause an obstacle in using video-conferencing as a synchronous learning tool.======

[[image:features_bnr_skypeRequires.jpg width="449" height="166"]]

 * Virtual Classrooms (Maria Carbone 10716987)**

A Virtual Classroom is the "online learning space where students and instructors interact via video-conferencing, internet broadcast or chat." (MLA, 2009) An example of using virtual classrooms in a learning environment is The Global Virtual Classroom (GVC) Project. []


 * Describe the use of the technology:**
 * The GVC project is a collection of free, online educational activities and resources which is used to support the efforts of governments and education departments around the world. The aim of GVC is to integrate technology into classrooms and link schools to a world of information.
 * The project is a global collaborative learning program for primary and secondary school students. (7-18 years)
 * Approximately 29,000 students and 1,300 teachers participate from over 500 schools from 50 countries.
 * Students can take part in various //contests// for example students can collaboratively design a website whereby each student is a assigned a page. As a result in taking part in a contest students are exposed to some fun and at the same time they take part in a healthy competitive learning environment. This is due to the fact that once a team has completed their work, a panel of international judges evaluate the team's final work and determine the winners.
 * Students can also connect with other students on a more personal level by taking part in the //GVC clubhouse//. Students are able to choose an email pen-pal from other schools and communicate with them on a regular basis.
 * Students are able to make //GVC scrapbooks// which allow them to collect letters, photos and other forms of communication received from other schools.
 * Students are able to take part in //online forums//. This gives students the opportunity to provide introductions about themselves which then provides a pathway to meeting other students.
 * Students are also able to make use of the //multimedia.// This includes chat, instant messaging or video conferencing which allows for communication with other virtual classmates.


 * The context of learners and where learning is situated:**
 * Students who take part in the GVC Project do the majority of the learning in their formal school environment. Providing the program to the school and assuring it takes place in a single location allows for there to be a stable learning environment for the students.
 * The GVC Project requires almost daily classroom computer access. There is a great deal of teacher participation and facilitation needed due to the fact that students are of various ages and have different needs.
 * Teachers can choose among different teaching strategies when using virtual classroom. The various strategies include; problem based learning, simulation and discussion. Managing electronic collaboration requires a teacher to encourage students to apply appropriate communication skills and behaviour.
 * Students need to work collaboratively and communicate with one another in order to learn from the GVC experience. Learning from one another is a key component in the learning process. This experience not only teaches students IT skills but gives them the ability to understand and learn from others.
 * The Learning environment consisting of a virtual classroom and virtual textbooks is stored within the school network and hence is accessible to all who attend the school.

//Rugelj, J. (1977): Computer Supported Network Based Learning Environment, Proc. 3rd Int Conf. on Network Entities, Ancona, pp. TT3. 1-3.4.//
 * It is important to note that there are three different modes of use in the learning environment:**
 * 1) //Students mode// is used by students to accomplish learning and training through delivery of learning materials and through communication support for all parties engaged in the system.
 * 2) //Authors mode// is used by authors to support creation and design for learning materials. Different paths through learning materials can be defined for different target groups, depending on previous knowledge.
 * 3) //Teachers mode// allows teachers to track the performance of both pupils and the class as a whole through evaluation of data logged by the system, and to manage the course at progress.


 * Benefits:**
 * The GVC Project is a beneficial project which empowers, enables and connects students around the world through using Virtual Classrooms. Students learn the value of collaboration as GVC Project offers opportunities to learn how to work and succeed as a team.
 * GVC Project offers a place where students can practice and learn from mistakes as well as successes as the GVC project offers tips, guidance, feedback and more online support than most other similar education programs.
 * GVC offers a safe and secure online learning environment. Online security is a major issue especially when children of a young age are involved. Security is a priority for GVC Project.
 * Due to the growing demand of e-learning the GVC Project provides children with skills which are useful and skills which are needed in society today. This Project has the potential to transform education in the sense that this form of education promotes life-long learning. Learning through the means of virtual classrooms goes beyond the classroom, it can take an individual through their learning in the workplace.
 * Finally GVC Project teaches students cross-communication skills. Overcoming language and cultural barriers is a skill which is needed in today's international environment. The ability to communicate with and work with people from other cultures is essential.


 * Challenges, Disadvantages or Issues:**
 * Technology is a great resource although at times it can fail. If technology does fail often a student's learning environment can be affected as this interruption could affect their concentration.
 * GVC Project does take part globally and as a result teaches have to be aware of time differences. This could be a huge challenge as planned timing is essential in order for Virtual classrooms to work effectively. This is due to the fact that Virtual classrooms are conducted in 'real time'.
 * Motivation to learn online could be a issue for some students. This is where it is obvious that GVC Project should not be used in isolation and should be used in conjunction with face to face learning. This combination of online and face to face learning encourages and motivates students to learn as there a variety of learning methods used.
 * Finally students learn in various ways. GVC needs to continually introduce new activities in order to cater to students various needs. There needs to be the varied use of video conferencing, chat and internet broadcast as one or all of this tools could suit a child's individual needs when learning online.

__Describe the use of IM__ Learning occurs instantly and correspondence between the educator and learner can occur immediately with instant feedback
 * SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION - Instant Messaging**

__The context of the learners and where learning is situated__ The context of the learners is university. Elluminate Live incorporates real time learning with asynchronous forms of communication. In the university context, the IM program is a build up on Blackboard.

__The benefits of the technology in this context__ The Elluminate Live program allows for live classroom delivery. The benefits include; if the student misses the class or wants to listen to the lecture again they can access the recording. Also, guest speakers can be the educator for the session and students can collaborate in virtual rooms without the instructor (really helpful program for group work – work online). The greatest benefit to the learner is the options of small group student project discussions online to live presentations. Increased security is a key benefit in that only registered students can attend live classes and online discussions.

__The challenges, disadvantages or any issues of the described technology in the example’s context__ The challenge is the willingness to embrace online learning. There is resistance because people are comfortable with the social environment of the classroom setting and may find it very distracting to be on a computer and not wonder onto other sites when they should be involved.

A possible disadvantage is despite increased security because students must sign in, it restricts student freedom to attend lectures with friends or lessons of interest (where you could simply walk into a lecture hall)

A possible issue is the program may not be supported by a particular web browser. For example, Internet Explorer does not support all Blackboard features, while Mozilla will.


 * Reference List**

eChinese Learning, 2009, March 17 2009,[]

Flinn, J. 2009, //Global Virtual Classroom//, Byron Bay, viewed 19 March, 2009, [].

Hrastinski, S. 2008, //Asynchronous and Synchronous E-Learning//, Educause Quarterly, viewed: 17 March 2009, [|http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE Quarterly/AsynchronousandSynchronou/47683]

Network for Inclusive Distance Education, 2009, //Synchronous Communication Tools//, viewed: 20 March 2009, []

Rugelj, J. 1977, //Computer Supported Network Based Learning Environment//, 3rd Intl. Conf. on Network Entities, Ancona, TT3. 1-3.4.

Shepherd, C, 2007, //Welcome to the Virtual Classroom//, viewed: 17 March, 2009, .

The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training in the Arts). 2008, //Virtual Classroom//, Queensland, viewed: 23 March, 2009, .

Websters New Mellennium Dictionary of English. 2009, //Virtual Classroom//, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7), viewed: 21 March, 2009, [].

Wikipedia, 2009, Skype, Wikipedia, 20 March 2009, []

Elluminate, 2009, Elluminate Live, 19 April 2009, http://www.elluminate.com/

MarketWire, March 2007, //Elluminate Launches Blackboard Building Block 2.0 for Seamless Integration With Virtual Classroom//, 19 April 2009, http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Elluminate-Inc-721819.html