How can you overcome technology issues and lack of face-to-face interaction in synchronous online learning?

Be ready for anything and be a human being. Recognizing that technology fails and finding the humor in it will go a long way. If things fail, have the students start a conversation. Pick a student and have them start a discussion on a topic. Laugh a little. Find connections with each other. Take a break to have a little fun unrelated to the topic being learned. Be ok with the unexpected. It will model skills they need in their own lives.

Plan meticulously for seamless synchronous online sessions. Test tech, share agendas, and set expectations in advance. Prioritize accessibility and usability, offering alternatives for diverse learners. Overcome virtual barriers with preparation and proactive communication. #OnlineLearning #EdTechSuccess

Effective learning operations are as simple as L-M-S... Quality Learning: Modularized, correctly formatted, compliant, aligned to learning objectives and assessments... Effective Management: Roles and responsibilities, policies and procedures, change management, support management... The Right Systems: Stable, secure, and functional When those three are aligned, you will not have technology issues or lack of interaction irrespective of the modality of your learning.

Fuel engagement in synchronous sessions with diverse tools—polls, quizzes, breakout rooms. Infuse energy through verbal and non-verbal cues, fostering collaboration. Monitor participation, offer timely feedback. Transform virtual spaces into vibrant hubs of learning and connection

Foster post-session community through reflections, feedback, and questions. Facilitate ongoing interactions via forums, social media, or email. Acknowledge and celebrate learner achievements, recognizing and embracing diversity. Cultivate a connected and thriving learning ecosystem

Continuously adapt synchronous online sessions using learner feedback and data. Evaluate effectiveness with surveys and analytics. Identify strengths, address weaknesses, and seek professional development. Transform challenges into opportunities for enhanced online teaching.

When facing technology issues during synchronous online interactions, I've found that keeping a positive attitude makes a world of difference in the learner's reactions. If all they see is distress and confusion from the instructor, they may lose confidence or unintentionally emulate the same emotions. Sending out an immediate announcement with an alternative plan demonstrates your professionalism. Showing some emotion, whether it's your shared frustration, some humor, etc., reminds the learners that you're a human being and sometimes things happen that are out of your control. Your reactions during these stressful encounters can be a model for your learners to embody in their own lives.