The synchronous learning and literacy assignment will help you to explore ideas related to teaching digitally with elementary students. You will, after reading a tutorial and viewing websites and resources related to teaching with synchronous learning (real-time learning), construct a list of detailed teaching ideas that integrate synchronous learning with elementary literacy instruction. Examples of teaching with synchronous learning might include, for instance, using Skype to talk to a children’s author, or using a videoconferencing service to do a virtual field trip that will lead to reading and writing project that involves research, inquiry, and multimedia.

1. USING SYNCHRONOUS
LEARNING TUTORIAL
WEEKS 14/15
DR PEGGY SEMINGSON
LIST 4373, SPRING 2016

2. DUE DATE
Assignment: Synchronous learning brainstorm assignment (1-2 pages)
Due Date: (Week 15), 5/01/15, 11:59 pm.
• The synchronous learning and literacy assignment will help you to explore ideas related to
teaching digitally with elementary students. You will, after reading a tutorial and viewing
websites and resources related to teaching with synchronous learning (real-time learning),
construct a list of detailed teaching ideas that integrate synchronous learning with
elementary literacy instruction. Examples of teaching with synchronous learning might
include, for instance, using Skype to talk to a children’s author, or using a videoconferencing
service to do a virtual field trip that will lead to reading and writing project that involves
research, inquiry, and multimedia. The lesson ideas must relate to literacy/language
arts/reading! Use size 11 or 12 font, single-spaced, standard margins. These teaching/lesson
ideas need to relate to in-class instruction, not to communicating with parents.

3. DEFINITION OF SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
• Synchronous learning means learning in “real time”. That is, it uses instruction that tools to connect
people through chat, video/audio, etc.
• See the description and infographic here: https://www.mindflash.com/elearning/asynchronous-
synchronous/
• More on differences between synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (non-real-time):
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2014-09-26/Real-Time-or-Anytime-Learning-
Synchronous-and-Asynchronous-Learning-Explained.aspx

4. OVERVIEW
• Synchronous learning can be “whole class” (e.g., author visit or virtual field trip) or it can be student-
centered.
• An example of a student-centered use of synchronous learning is when students connect with experts in
the field in a small group, but the teacher and/or the rest of the class may not be involved. Please read
the example from UTA graduate, Aspen Ham in her recent blog post on the UTA New Teacher Blog. Read
here: http://utanewteachers.com/uncategorized/advice-from-aspen-christine-johnson-ham-
environmental-and-spatial-technology-teacher/
• Notice how the synchronous use of technology was part of a bigger inquiry and project-based curricular
experience that was largely driven by the students. Not all lessons are teacher-centered. Increasingly,
student learning is student-centered and driven by their own inquiries. Keep this in mind as you think
about teaching and learning in the 21st century.

5. EXAMPLES OF 3RD PARTY TOOLS AND PROGRAMS
EXAMPLE 1: SKYPE IN THE CLASSROOM
• Resource: https://education.microsoft.com/skypeintheclassroom Browse this
website to learn more about the potential uses of Skype in the classroom. Be
sure to connect your thinking to the ways it could be used for language
arts/literacy/reading!
• You can also find ideaes by browsing @SkypeClassroom on Twitter
https://twitter.com/SkypeClassroom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
• Edutopia article “Pen Pals in the 21st Century”
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pen-pals-in-21st-century-lisa-mims

6. EXAMPLES OF 3RD PARTY TOOLS AND PROGRAMS
EXAMPLE 2: CONNECT2TEXAS PROGRAM
• Resource: http://www.connect2texas.net/ Connect 2 Texas
• From their website: “Connect2Texas is a network of Texas-based educational content
providers including museums, cultural, historical, and scientific organizations, and
authors. These providers utilize interactive videoconferencing to deliver live educational
programs and professional development to school children and educators across the
country. Bring the scientists, experts, and authors directly to your students without leaving
the classroom!”
• Task: Browse their website. Click “Search programs” for PK-6th grade.
• Task: Watch this very short video overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJLPZrT_rAo

7. FINAL TIPS
• Synchronous learning (real-time learning) is something that happens in real-time. It can also be part of
the blended learning framework: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/blended-online-learning-heather-
wolpert-gawron
• Some schools are exploring using virtual reality in the classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/classroom-in-cloud-learning-environment-laura-fleming