Synchronous conferencing is the formal term used in

computing Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and development of both hardware and software. Computing has scientific, ...

, in particular in

computer-mediated communication Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is defined as any human communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated forma ...

collaboration Collaboration (from Latin ''com-'' "with" + ''laborare'' "to labor", "to work") is the process of two or more people, entities or organizations working together to complete a task or achieve a goal. Collaboration is similar to cooperation. Most ...

and

learning Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals, and some machines; there is also evidence for some kind of lea ...

, to describe technologies informally known as

online chat Online chat may refer to any kind of communication over the Internet that offers a real-time transmission of text messages from sender to receiver. Chat messages are generally short in order to enable other participants to respond quickly. Ther ...

. It is sometimes extended to include audio/video conferencing or

instant messaging Instant messaging (IM) technology is a type of online chat allowing real-time text transmission over the Internet or another computer network. Messages are typically transmitted between two or more parties, when each user inputs text and tri ...

systems that provide a

text-based In computing, text-based user interfaces (TUI) (alternately terminal user interfaces, to reflect a dependence upon the properties of computer terminals and not just text), is a retronym describing a type of user interface (UI) common as an ear ...

multi-user Multi-user software is computer software that allows access by multiple users of a computer. Time-sharing systems are multi-user systems. Most batch processing systems for mainframe computers may also be considered "multi-user", to avoid leaving t ...

chat function. The word ''synchronous'' is used to qualify the conferencing as

real-time Real-time or real time describes various operations in computing or other processes that must guarantee response times within a specified time (deadline), usually a relatively short time. A real-time process is generally one that happens in defined ...

, as distinct from a system such as

e-mail Electronic mail (email or e-mail) is a method of exchanging messages ("mail") between people using electronic devices. Email was thus conceived as the electronic (digital) version of, or counterpart to, mail, at a time when "mail" meant ...

, where messages are left and answered later. Synchronous conferencing protocols include: *

IRC Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a text-based chat system for instant messaging. IRC is designed for group communication in discussion forums, called '' channels'', but also allows one-on-one communication via private messages as well as chat an ...

(Internet Relay Chat) * PSYC (Protocol for Synchronous Conferencing) * SILC (Secure Internet Live Conferencing protocol) *

XMPP Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP, originally named Jabber) is an open communication protocol designed for instant messaging (IM), presence information, and contact list maintenance. Based on XML (Extensible Markup Language), i ...

(Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) *

SIMPLE (instant messaging protocol) SIMPLE, the Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions, is an instant messaging (IM) and presence protocol suite based on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) managed by the Internet Engineering Task Force.< ...

(Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions)

Types

According to the type of media used, synchronous conferencing can be divided into * audio conferencing: only audio is used * video conferencing: Both audio (voice) and video and picture are used. According to the number of access point used, synchronous conferencing can be divided into * point-to-point: Only two computers are connected end to end. * multi-point: Two or more than two computers are connected together.

Synchronous vs asynchronous conferencing

Both synchronous and

asynchronous conferencing Asynchronous conferencing is the formal term used in science, in particular in computer-mediated communication, collaboration and learning, to describe technologies where there is a delay in interaction between contributors. It is used in contras ...

are

online conferencing Web conferencing is used as an umbrella term for various types of online conferencing and collaborative services including webinars (web seminars), webcasts, and web meetings. Sometimes it may be used also in the more narrow sense of the peer- ...

where the participants can interact while being physically located at different places in the world. Asynchronous conferencing allows the students to access the learning material at their convenience while synchronous conferencing requires that all participants including the instructor and the students be online at the time of conference. While synchronous conferencing enables real time interaction of the participants, asynchronous conferencing allows participants to post messages and others can respond to it at any convenient time. Sometimes a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous conferencing is used. Both the methods give a permanent record of the conference.

Methods

Some of the methods used in synchronous conferencing are: * Chat (text only): Multiple participants can be logged into the conference and can interactively share resources and ideas. There is also option to save the chat and archive it for later review. * Voice (telephone or voice-over IP): This is a conference call between the instructor and the participating students where they can speak through built-in microphone or a headset. *

Video conferencing Videotelephony, also known as videoconferencing and video teleconferencing, is the two-way or multipoint reception and transmission of audio signal, audio and video signals by people in different locations for Real-time, real time communication. ...

: This may or may not require the participants to have their webcams running. Usually, a video conference involves a live feed from a classroom or elsewhere or a content. *

Web conferencing Web conferencing is used as an umbrella term for various types of online conferencing and collaborative services including webinars (web seminars), webcasts, and web meetings. Sometimes it may be used also in the more narrow sense of the peer-le ...

: This includes Webinar (Web-based seminar) as well. Unlike in video conferencing, participants of a web conferencing can access a wider variety of media elements. Web conferences are comparatively more interactive and usually incorporate chat sessions as well. *

Internet radio Online radio (also web radio, net radio, streaming radio, e-radio, IP radio, Internet radio) is a digital audio service transmitted via the Internet. Broadcasting on the Internet is usually referred to as webcasting since it is not transmitted ...

/ podcasts: The instructors makes the audio file available in the Internet which is archived and the students subscribed to the podcast can download it. *

Virtual worlds A virtual world (also called a virtual space) is a computer-simulated environment which may be populated by many users who can create a personal avatar, and simultaneously and independently explore the virtual world, participate in its activities ...

: In this set up, students can meet in virtual world and speak with each other through headsets and VoIP. This can make the learning more productive and engaging when the students are able to navigate the worlds and operate in their avatar.

Critical factors for effective implementation

There are four critical factors identified for implementing synchronous conferencing for effective instruction to the students * Video and audio quality which depends on technical factors like higher bandwidth and processing capabilities of the system. * Training time which depends on the familiarity and proficiency of the instructors and the students with the technology. * Teaching strategies which depends on the adaptability of the instructors with the new methods, preparing appropriate and effective training materials and motivating students. * Direct meeting of the instructor and the students.

Synchronous conferencing in higher education

Synchronous conferencing in education helps in the delivery of content through digital media. Since this is a real-time teaching, it also brings the benefits of face-to-face teaching in distance learning. Many higher education institutions offer well-designed quality e-learning opportunities. Some of the advantages of synchronous conferencing in education are: * Helps the students to connect with not only their own teachers and peers but also with recognized experts in the field regardless of the geographical distance and different time zones. * Provides opportunities to both the teachers and the students to expand their knowledge outside the classrooms. * Helps students who are home-bound or limited mobility to connect with their classrooms and participate in learning. * Helps the faculties to conduct classes when they are not able to come to classes due to an emergency. * Supports real-time collaboration, interaction and immediate feedback * Encourage students to learn together and in turn develop cultural understanding * Personalized learning experience for the students * Real-time discussion opportunities for students promoting student engagement * Active interaction can lead to an associated community of like-minded students * Saves travel expenses and time

Implementation of educational technology

The tools for implementing synchronous conferencing depends on the type of educational problem addressed. This is in turn decides the method of synchronous conferencing to be used and the tool to be used in the learning context. The tool selected addresses the problem of improving the learning outcomes which cannot be solved with an asynchronous environment. There are many tools and platforms available for synchronous conferencing. * Smartphone applications * Web conferencing tools * Video conferencing tools * Video and hangout platforms * Shared whiteboards The selection of tools and platforms also depend on the group size which depends on the activity for the course design.

Effective teaching strategies

To make synchronous conferencing effective and engaging, appropriate teaching strategies are important and plays a very important role in making the learning successful. Some of these are * Emphasizing and adhering to time allotted

Limitations

Some limitations for synchronous conferencing in learning are: * Disjointed discussions, not connected in time * Lack of effective moderation and/or clear guidelines for learners * Difficulty in collaborating online projects * Lack of proper communication with the instructor and students. * Technical issues may arise if not analysed and planned in advance * Lack of familiarity with the tools * Limited time to complete the learning activity and to incorporate interactions of the learners

References

{{Computer-mediated communication Online chat Teleconferencing Educational technology Groupware