Opinions on live online sessions? (Especially K-12 and ESL)

I'm working on a course to train K-12 and post-secondary ESL teachers how to use online teaching tools. I'm developing a lesson on live sessions like chat and virtual classroom, and want to make sure I cover everything (since I actually don't teach K-12 or ESL myself). Any K-12 and/or ESL teachers out there have opinions on live sessions?

For example, in what kinds of situations would a live online session be better than non-synchronous lessons or exercises? And in what situations would you absolutely avoid using a live session? Any tips on running a live session as smoothly as possible?

Thanks everyone!

Tags: Live, asynchronous, chat, classroom, elluminate, non-synchronous, session, synchronous, virtual

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Permalink Reply by Jason Weden on January 11, 2009 at 7:54pm

First I would say that you should stay away from a typical powerpoint presentation. You should have a lab where each teacher is in front of the computer. Nobody is going to learn how to use online teaching tools if you don't give your students the ability to use it in a lab setting. As a teacher, your desktop should be on the big screen. They can sit and watch while you provide the overview. Then they can do and practice.

I think synchronous and non-synchronous complement each other. The former is very compelling and allows for real-time interaction and coupling education with voice and video -- very powerful. The latter allows for content to be persisted and for people to have asynchrounous conversations (e.g. discussion forums). They can also post homework as well.

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Permalink Reply by ddeubel on January 12, 2009 at 9:18am

I'll echo what Jason says but also and most importantly -- you have to have admin on your side. Meaning, give them practical and actual assignments they must complete with their classrooms and share. This is fundamental and what I see time and time again as wrong with so many programs.

Most programs do all the cheerleading, get the energy going etc.... but at the end of the day, it remains a kind of pat on the back and dream, pillow. Meanwhile, nothing changes in the classroom....

DD
http://eflclassroom.com