Synchronous Online Meetings (Zoom and Google Meet)

ITS has a wealth of resources on a variety of video conferencing tools. Click the links below for specifics on your preferred video conferencing platform.

Why would I use Zoom or Google Meet in my Classroom? 

Watch how Dr. Tommy Occhipinti used technology and traditional pen and paper to deliver synchronous and asynchronous content here.

"The "Right" Balance of Synchronous and Asynchronous Course Delivery"

What's the "right" balance of Synchronous Learning and Asynchronous Learning?

Unfortunately, there is no "correct" answer. What we do know is that it is difficult to sit in one place or stare at a screen for 2 or 3 hours.

For those of us who went totally asynchronous in Spring 2020, our students reported that they missed the high-touch connection with their professors and classmates. On the other hand, students in totally synchronous sessions said it was difficult to maintain attention through a 2-hour Zoom meeting. It seems that a balance is the perfect compromise that best serves the learning needs of our students.

As you decide the best balance for your own class, consider using both modalities in the most effective manner. 

Synchronous Meetings (via Google Meet or Zoom) are best for high-touch, high-impact communication, and community building. 

• Weekly, full group check ins
• Large group discussion
• Small group discussion via breakout rooms
• Active problem solving sessions
• Collaborative group work
• 1:1 paper conferences between student and professor
• Q & A sessions
• Office Hours

Asynchronous time is best to deliver content, especially course material that students may work through at different paces or want to revisit later. It is also good place to build in self-directed project time.  

• Lectures (Voice Threads, narrated powerpoints, recorded Zoom presentations etc.)
• Video (TEDtalks, films, etc.)
• Reading assignments
• Synchronous prep work via Katie forums or quizzes
• Reflective time (respond to reflection prompts).
• Revision time (read back through instructor comments, or peer review comments).

Rather than lecturing over Zoom (synchronous), consider having the student watch pre-recorded lectures on their own time (asynchronous). Gather them back together for a high-touch class discussion.