LTSE Teaching@JCU Virtual Learning Environments Synchronous communication

Synchronous communication

Synchronous communication tools enable real time communication and collaboration in a ‘same time-different place’ mode.

This type of communication promotes:

Collaboration
Allows for immediate response and feedback
And can take place irrespective of distance.

Examples of synchronous communication techniques, are:

Online conferences
Chatrooms
Student response systems.

Tools such as Blackboard Collaborate also offer functions which allow for simultaneous viewing of whiteboard drawings, sharing of images and simultaneous internet browsing, creating a more engaging learning environment.

Supported technologies

Blackboard Collaborate
Get started with using Blackboard Collaborate, a real-time virtual classroom and web conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard to interact.

GoSoapBox
GoSoapBox is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Student Response System where students use Wi-Fi enabled devices on campus to interact online with their lecturer and peers before, during or after a face-to-face class. The tool promotes student engagement in an active learning approach. It has features where students can indicate their level of understanding through the Confusion Barometer; and lecturers can create quizzes and polls, discussion topics/questions. All data can be exported by the lecturer for later analysis and response. GoSoapBox is compatible with a variety of mobile devices such as laptop computers, tablets and smartphones.

Staff use

Student use

Students should not register for an account. To participate in a GoSoapBox event they need to: