Set up online synchronous participation
Online synchronous participation refers to the option of having students attend class online and participate in activities (e.g., discussions, polls, brainstorming, debates) during scheduled class time. Students connect to in-person classes using web conferencing software (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Normally, students will have requested an accommodation.
Support for implementation of online synchronous participation is the responsibility of Faculties. Faculties provide this support in different ways. Contact your Associate Dean for more information.
In this article:
Benefits and challenges for instructors and students
Online synchronous participation comes with pedagogical and technical benefits and challenges. Note that class size has an impact on these benefits and challenges, as well as on the technologies required for implementation.
Benefits | Challenges | |
---|---|---|
Instructors |
|
|
Students |
|
|
Technical requirements
Required | |
Some laptops may require a dongle attachment to allow for ethernet connections.
Not all laptops have USB connections; a dongle may be required. | |
Tech equipment | Links |
---|---|
External camera for laptop |
|
Basic tripod |
|
External microphone for laptop |
*Bluetooth microphone for instructor only |
External speakers for laptop | Laptop with room projector/audio connection. See the Classroom AV tool for room instructions. |
Logistics
Before class | ||
Consider these questions:
|
| |
Explain the implementation to students and engage them in establishing ground rules for participation. It is recommended that you let students know in writing (e.g., in your course outline or a myCourses Announcement) what they need to do to participate synchronously online. |
| |
Keep in mind that class size has an impact on the pedagogical strategies and technologies required for implementation. |
| |
Place the camera/microphone to capture yourself and as many students as possible to ensure participation. |
| |
Try to get to class early to set up the equipment and address technical issues before your class starts. |
| |
Take a photo of the technology setup (i.e., the cable connections) so that you can refer to it when setting up subsequent classes. |
| |
During class | ||
|
|
Teaching strategies to support online synchronous participation
Creating a learning environment where both in-class and online students can participate simultaneously might require the implementation of teaching strategies that you don’t usually use. Here are some ideas:
Ice-breaker activities: Use them several times throughout the term to strengthen connections among students. See examples of ice-breaker activities that can be adapted to classes with both in-person and online students.
Polling: Do in-class surveys; ask students to create word clouds.
Collaborative whiteboard activities: Use Mural to provide students in person and online a shared space where they can interact and collaborate by posting sticky notes, flowcharts, drawings, and more to a virtual whiteboard.
Peer assessment: Create groups/pairs that combine students who are online and in person who will give each other feedback.
Debates: Create debate teams that combine students who are online with students who are in the classroom.