With recent technological advancements and an expanding global demand for eLearning, we now have numerous interactive online learning methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. One of them is synchronous learning.
Now, what is synchronous learning? This learning methodology, similar to traditional classroom instruction, allows a group of individuals to virtually come together at a set time to learn and discuss a specific topic.
While synchronous learning combines the personalization of a classroom with the adaptability of eLearning, there are some dos and don’ts to consider. In this article, we will look at some best practices for learners and trainers involved in synchronous learning to follow so that they can take advantage of this real-time online learning experience.
Best Practices For Trainers
1. Get To Know Your Learners
Take time to learn about your learner’s proficiency, background, and skill levels. This will assist you in predicting the learners’ capacity to understand the course content and ensuring that all employees are on the same page.
Also, build a rapport with your trainees at the start of the course. Get to know them one at a time and inform them about the learning goals and an overview of the course.
2. Use Interactive Elements Instead Of Word-Heavy Presentations
Keep your course material ‘activity-heavy’ and ‘light on the text’ to provide an effective synchronous learning experience. You can use activities and visual elements to get learners to interact with you and their colleagues. Also, ensure that the training materials, like videos, infographics, and audio clips, are organized and saved in a fixed location so they can be easily accessed during the session.
3. Motivate Learners To Pitch Questions And Share Their Findings
Allow your learners to ask questions and share their ideas throughout the synchronous training session. Set expectations at the start of the course. Tell them what the training session will cover and when and how their questions will be answered.
Additionally, encourage the learners to express their concerns and input them in the chat box or comments thread if you use an online chat platform and a webinar. Respond to each of them at the end of the session. If you’re using video conferencing, inform them that questions will be answered via audio.
4. Prepare Supplementary Resources
Prepare links to online resources such as videos and articles learners can access after completing the training. Downloadable resources can be created for learners who don’t have regular internet access. This will assist you in meeting the needs of all your learners and allowing them to benefit from your synchronous learning program.
5. Test For Technical Glitches
Before beginning the training session, perform a quick inspection for technical glitches. Check for audio and visibility, and see if the presentation sequence and timing are correct.
If you plan to ask poll questions, ensure that all of the responses are well-integrated and that you can gather and share them.
6. Modify Your Pace And Tone Based On Your Learners
Remember to modify your voice because it communicates just as much about you as your words. Adjust your narrative voice, tone, and pace in accordance with your employees’ backgrounds and needs.
For instance, if you train high-level executives in the manufacturing sector, you will use industry-specific terminology and cover more ground in less time than if you were addressing recruits. For this purpose, you will have to speak at a fast pace but still, maintain clarity.
However, irrespective of who your learner is, keep a steady pace and talk with zeal and clarity.
7. Emphasize The Importance Of Collaborative Learning
Provide opportunities for your learners to work together and learn from one another’s experiences. Not every employee will be at ease working in big groups. So, you can split them into smaller virtual teams of 3-4 people and assign group tasks. This will assist your learners in evaluating their ideas and appreciating the ideology of collaborative learning.
Additionally, it would be best to ask learners to express their understanding. Allow them to provide input, invite queries, and share additional resources. Also, remember to restate the main points near the end of the session.
Best Practices For Learners
#1: Active Participation
One of the primary benefits of synchronous learning is that it provides a safe environment for employees to learn from one another. As a learner, you should investigate the numerous opportunities for innovation and efficiency that this real-time and collaborative approach provides.
Engaging in conversations with your instructor and fellow learners, responding to your instructor, and reading beforehand on the topics that will be discussed during the session are some of the activities that will assist you in becoming an active participant in synchronous learning.
#2: Become Acquainted With Technology
As a learner, you must understand the software and hardware used in synchronous learning. The primary prerequisites for participating in the training session are becoming familiar with how to partake in teleconferencing – audio conference or web conference; how to navigate instant chat apps; and how to operate the toolbars of the internet search engine.
Since this online training method allows for real-time training at your leisure, limited access to technical assistance can be a significant challenge. So, familiarize yourself with the fundamentals so you can attend the training and have everything in a working state.
#3: Be A Self-Directed Motivator
Abraham Lincoln once famously stated, “Always keep in mind that one’s own resolution to prosper is more important than anything else.” Participants in synchronous learning are expected to exhibit this zeal of self-directed motivation.
Self-motivation is required to explore the numerous possibilities of the collaborative environment provided by synchronous learning. Taking notes, asking and responding to questions from the trainer, and participating in discussions and surveys all contribute to your development as an active learner.
Conclusion
To conclude, synchronous learning shifts the emphasis away from learners as individuals and toward learners as social participants. It is becoming viable for exchanging social support and discussing “complex” issues. The best practices mentioned in this blog will allow trainers to deliver effective synchronous sessions and learners to improve the overall learning experience.
