What is a Virtual Synchronous Classroom? Key Components Explained

Over 60% of students engage in distance learning activities on a daily basis, while nearly 7 million students have taken one or more of their courses online. Many learners are happy with the ability to study virtually and there are plenty of proponents who tout the benefits of being able to study online instead of having to attend classes in person. Even so, it's important to bear in mind that not all virtual learning arrangements are equal. There are important differences between synchronous and asynchronous online learning, and understanding these differences is imperative for district administrators who want to offer students top-tier virtual learning opportunities.

What Does a Virtual Synchronous Learning Set-up Look Like?

Synchronous learning is learning that allows for real time interaction. In-person learning is synchronous as teachers and students can interact with each other at the same time and place. Synchronous online learning platforms seek to replicate this environment. Such an environment includes:

• Livestream classes
• Pop quizzes, games, and other forms of live interaction during class. This keeps students engaged. It allows learners to ask questions during class and get immediate feedback. Teachers can use this feedback to adapt the class as needed. If learners grasp material quickly, the teacher can move on. Conversely, the teacher can review key points if most students need extra help.
• Students can not only interact with the teacher but also with each other. Many public schools that set up a synchronous online learning environment do so in public school classrooms. Students come to a physical classroom and sit in class with fellow learners. They hear other learners' questions and the teacher's answers to these questions. They can work together on group assignments either in-person or in online breakout rooms.
• Learners are able to build relationships with the teacher and each other. They make friends and cultivate a sense of belonging.

What Does an Asynchronous Learning Set-up Look Like?

Asynchronous learning is the polar opposite of synchronous learning. Key differences include:

• Classes consist of pre recorded lectures rather than live sessions. Alternatively, students may be given reading assignments to be completed at home.
• Students can join the class from anywhere in the world. Thus, a class may include learners from multiple time zones. This set-up can provide a good education to learners who would not be able to obtain one otherwise.
• The virtual classroom has messaging options but students cannot communicate with teachers in real time. Rather, they must leave a message for the teacher to answer. This means that students who have questions during class can't get immediate answers to these questions.
• Students don't get to connect with fellow learners. They don't hear peers' questions and the teacher's answers to these questions. Group work, when it happens, is also asynchronous as learners add to a group project when they are able to do so.
• Students don't get to build relationships with the teacher or others in the class.
• There is no way for the teacher to gauge student comprehension during class. Thus, he or she is unable to adapt a class to meet learner needs. Rather, the teacher needs to look at student feedback and test scores after class to determine learner comprehension.

What's the Best Learning Process?

Researchers have found that learners who study in a synchronous learning environment are more likely to experience feelings of having their basic psychological needs met than those who study in an asynchronous learning environment. Synchronous class students also report greater feelings of term satisfaction than students who don't take livestream classes. Having psychological needs met not only impacts learners' happiness and well-being but also has a direct impact on academic performance. Multiple studies show that psychological need satisfaction increases academic motivation, improves school performance, and has a positive impact on academic achievement.

Granted, an asynchronous learning set-up does have some benefits. Students who can't attend synchronous classes can listen to class material when they're free. They can complete assignments on their own time. Additionally, they can watch or read course material more than once to review key points. However, students can gain these benefits if the synchronous learning platform records classes as they take place. Learners who attend live classes can review the material in their own time while those who missed a day of class can catch up with the rest of the students.

What Should District Administration Look for in a Synchronous Learning Platform?

While synchronous online learning offers benefits that virtual asynchronous learning can't match, not all synchronous online learning platforms are equal. District administrators should look for the following features and tools when choosing a virtual classroom set-up:

• Certified teachers who have experience with virtual teaching. As many educational institutions found during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it takes planning for teachers to make the switch from teaching in-person to teaching online.
• Classes on the school's bell schedule.
• Curriculum that is compliant with your school district's requirements.
• The learning platform offers all needed classes so you don't have to connect with multiple virtual classroom platforms to meet your district's educational needs.
• Tools and equipment that improve student engagement. The online learning platform should have features that allow teachers to organize educational games and pop quizzes during class. An interactive whiteboard and shared screen capabilities are also important. Breakout rooms and chat group discussions keep learners engaged during class and while doing homework.
• A good virtual classroom company will provide tech support to ensure classes run smoothly. It will communicate regularly with teachers and district administrators to ensure students are making good progress toward their academic goals.

District administrators can prepare to make virtual learning successful by investing in the right IT equipment and a reliable internet connection. It's also important for students to be informed about the new class set-up, how it works, what the rules are, and what to expect from a synchronous learning environment.

Why Proximity Learning?

Proximity Learning is an industry leader. Unlike other virtual classroom set-ups that got their start during the COVID-19 pandemic, Proximity Learning has more than fifteen years of experience connecting school districts with certified, experienced teachers. Furthermore, Proximity Learning offers a vast array of class options. These include all core classes for K-12 students, world language classes, CTEs, AP classes, special education classes, and other synchronous sessions to help learners reach their academic goals.

Proximity Learning uses only the best tools and technologies to provide your learners with ideal learning experiences. Our synchronous online platform includes features to keep learners engaged, monitor student progress, and allow students to work together in small groups. We send reports on your timetable so you can keep track of learner progress and we provide virtual special education case management services to ensure your IEP and 504 learners are reaching their goals.

While there are multiple companies offering synchronous online classes, Proximity Learning stands out from the pack. Contact us to find out more or to start the onboarding process for your district.

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