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Course Management Systems: Tips for Synchronous Chat
Author:
Susan Bond
Synchronous chat allows interaction to take place in real time with all the students online at the same time.
Interactivity is the key to successful Distance Learning and most Course Management Systems have the ability for synchronous or real time chat. Synchronous chat is a useful feature, but one that instructors must use strategically and tactically.
Chat is Different than Discussion Boards
The biggest difference between the use of chat in an online course, when compared with a discussion board or forum, is that discussion boards are almost always used as an asynchronous tool while chat is used synchronously. A discussion board leaves time for students to post messages over a defined period of time and focus on the thoughtful exchange of ideas. In an online chat the interaction takes place in real time with all the students online at the same time. It facilitates fast paced interactivity that builds a social network and works towards a commonly shared outcome.
Good Facilitation is Key to Online Chats
Instructors have to become masters of facilitation in managing an online chat session. Instructors must keep the learning outcome of the online chat sessions in mind when guiding students through the session. Directing students to focus instructional targets and avoiding tangential paths is crucial to keeping students targeted toward the goal of the chat session.
Effective Strategies for the Use of Online Chat Activities
There are several considerations for instructors as they plan for their online chat session. Ground rules for interaction should be set-up, such as, directing students to enter a specific character to be selected by a facilitator to have the chat room floor. Keeping the tone of the conversation in chat conversational and less formal helps to relax students and stimulates interaction. Also, having a process in place of how students take turns is important.
Instructors should have longer segments of information or questions already typed out in a separate document ready to be cut and pasted into the chat room area of their Course Management System to keep the chat moving along at a quick pace. If the instructor is not a proficient typist, having a more skilled person at the keyboard should be considered to keep the pace of the chat session flowing.
Another thing to consider, if the online course has a larger enrollment, is to break the course into smaller groups to allow all students time to participate. Large groups can become cumbersome and overwhelming in a synchronous chat session.
Most Course Management Systems provide both chat and discussion boards, but instructors have to decide how to use these tools. While discussions are used more often than chat, chat can be useful in building an online community.
About Author
Susan Bond is a part of http://www.IQ-ity.com - provider of a top-rated Learning Management System for schools seeking to teach courses online. IQity's LMS includes an online study guide for the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). Ohio teachers can also add a product review of OGT practice tools at http://www.ogtpractice.org
Article Source:
http://www.1888articles.com/author-susan-bond-830.html
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