Synchronous conferencing

According to the type of media used, synchronous conferencing can be divided into[1]

• audio conferencing: only audio is used
• video conferencing: Both audio (voice) and video and picture are used.

According to the number of access point used, synchronous conferencing can be divided into

• point-to-point: Only two computers are connected end to end.
• multi-point: Two or more than two computers are connected together.

Both synchronous and asynchronous conferencing are online conferencing where the participants can interact while being physically located at different places in the world. Asynchronous conferencing allows the students to access the learning material at their convenience while synchronous conferencing requires that all participants including the instructor and the students be online at the time of conference.[1]

While synchronous conferencing enables real time interaction of the participants, asynchronous conferencing allows participants to post messages and others can respond to it at any convenient time. Sometimes a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous conferencing is used. Both the methods give a permanent record of the conference.[2]

Some of the methods used in synchronous conferencing are:

• Chat (text only): Multiple participants can be logged into the conference and can interactively share resources and ideas. There is also option to save the chat and archive it for later review.
• Voice (telephone or voice-over IP): This is a conference call between the instructor and the participating students where they can speak through built-in microphone or a headset.
• Video conferencing: This may or may not require the participants to have their webcams running. Usually, a video conference involves a live feed from a classroom or elsewhere or a content.
• Web conferencing: This includes Webinar (Web-based seminar) as well. Unlike in video conferencing, participants of a web conferencing can access a wider variety of media elements. Web conferences are comparatively more interactive and usually incorporate chat sessions as well.
• Internet radio/podcasts: The instructors makes the audio file available in the Internet which is archived and the students subscribed to the podcast can download it.
• Virtual worlds: In this set up, students can meet in virtual world and speak with each other through headsets and VoIP. This can make the learning more productive and engaging when the students are able to navigate the worlds and operate in their avatar.

There are four critical factors identified for implementing synchronous conferencing for effective instruction to the students[1]

• Video and audio quality which depends on technical factors like higher bandwidth and processing capabilities of the system.
• Training time which depends on the familiarity and proficiency of the instructors and the students with the technology.
• Teaching strategies which depends on the adaptability of the instructors with the new methods, preparing appropriate and effective training materials and motivating students.
• Direct meeting of the instructor and the students.

Synchronous conferencing in education helps in the delivery of content through digital media. Since this is a real-time teaching, it also brings the benefits of face-to-face teaching in distance learning. Many higher education institutions offer well-designed quality e-learning opportunities. Some of the advantages of synchronous conferencing in education are:[3][4]

• Helps the students to connect with not only their own teachers and peers but also with recognized experts in the field regardless of the geographical distance and different time zones.
• Provides opportunities to both the teachers and the students to expand their knowledge outside the classrooms.
• Helps students who are home-bound or limited mobility to connect with their classrooms and participate in learning.
• Helps the faculties to conduct classes when they are not able to come to classes due to an emergency.
• Supports real-time collaboration, interaction and immediate feedback
• Encourage students to learn together and in turn develop cultural understanding
• Personalized learning experience for the students
• Real-time discussion opportunities for students promoting student engagement
• Active interaction can lead to an associated community of like-minded students
• Saves travel expenses and time

The tools for implementing synchronous conferencing depends on the type of educational problem addressed. This is in turn decides the method of synchronous conferencing to be used and the tool to be used in the learning context. The tool selected addresses the problem of improving the learning outcomes which cannot be solved with an asynchronous environment. There are many tools and platforms available for synchronous conferencing.[3]

• Smartphone applications
• Web conferencing tools
• Video conferencing tools
• Video and hangout platforms
• Shared whiteboards

The selection of tools and platforms also depend on the group size which depends on the activity for the course design.

To make synchronous conferencing effective and engaging, appropriate teaching strategies are important and plays a very important role in making the learning successful. Some of these are [5]

• Emphasizing and adhering to time allotted

Some limitations for synchronous conferencing in learning are:[3][6]

• Disjointed discussions, not connected in time
• Lack of effective moderation and/or clear guidelines for learners
• Difficulty in collaborating online projects
• Lack of proper communication with the instructor and students.
• Technical issues may arise if not analysed and planned in advance
• Lack of familiarity with the tools
• Limited time to complete the learning activity and to incorporate interactions of the learners

• Collaborative software (Groupware)
• MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons)
• Asynchronous conferencing