One important challenge of synchronous online learning is that it implies everyone must meet at the same time…from any where. This means that students from multiple time zones will have to have a class meeting at the same time, which could be the middle of the day for some and the middle of the night for others. In my opinion, this is a serious obstacle, and overrides the value of an online learning experience that is open to a global community.
In addition, I think it’s important to remember that synchronous online learning is not the same environment as a synchronous in-person environment. I think many of us have experienced this reality in the post-Covid business and school world of video chats substituting in-person discussions and meetings. The subtle nuances of eye contact, humor, tone, and casual conversation are often awkward in an online setting.
In terms of the differences I have experienced in Project A vs. Project B, the main component I am working to improve in Project B is the job aid. I want there to be enough information and instruction provided so that a person completely new to this event/project can implement it with ease. This is still a challenge for me, because I come from a teacher’s mindset where I have often been the designer, developer, and implementer of all my instructional experiences. With that, I make assumptions about what I already know, and lean into my ability to improvise on the spot.
Lily Sloan 