In the recent decade technology has significantly enhanced education and online courses are increasing in popularity and credibility. In 2008, the Sloan consortium reported that 3.9 million (over 20%) students in the U.S., were taking at least one online course. In just one year, from 2006 to 2007, there was a 12.9% increase in online enrollment (Allen & Seaman, 2008); an increase of 400,000 students. The reason for this growth is that online courses offer “anytime,” “anywhere” learning which provides flexibility and convenience for students and instructors. However one of the major challenges that distance educators still face in designing effective online courses is including interactivity (Muirhead, 2004; Keefe, 2003). One of the ways this challenge has been addressed is through the use of synchronous virtual classroom technology.
Synchronous Virtual Classrooms
Synchronous Virtual classrooms are online environments that enable students and instructors to communicate synchronously using text chat, audio, and video. They enable faculty and students to interact as if they were face-to-face in a classroom by permitting instructors and students to share presentations on an interactive whiteboard, express emotions through emoticons, participate in group activities in break out rooms, etc. Synchronous Virtual Classrooms are software applications that bring human interaction into the virtual classroom through facial expressions, vocal intonations, hand gesticulation, and real-time discussion (Wimba, 2009a).
There are a variety of synchronous virtual classrooms (Adobe Connect, Saba Centra, Elluminate Live, Horizon Wimba, Dim Dim, Learn Linc, Microsoft Live Meeting, Webex, Wiziq, etc.). They are also referred to as synchronous learning systems or collaborative electronic meeting rooms (Table 1).
Table 1. Synchronous Virtual Classroom Products
Virtual Classroom features can be grouped into three categories based on their application: (1) discussion and interaction facilitated by breakout rooms, emoticons, chats, videos, presentations, polls, quizzes, and surveys; (2) instruction and reinforcement implemented through the electronic whiteboard, application sharing, and the content area; and (3) classroom management tools that include the ability to upload and store documents, an auto-populated participant list, usage details, and archive options. The software can be integrated into course management systems such as Blackboard. Additionally, it accommodates diverse learners (e.g. it is accessible to the hearing and visually impaired) and types of learning (e.g., auditory, visual, tactile). There is also a telephone number for participants to dial-in, which increases its reach/functionality (Wimba, 2009b).