In this article, we preliminarily discuss the limitations of current video conferencing platforms in online synchronous learning. Research has shown that while the involved technologies are appropriate for collaborative video calls, they often fail to replicate the rich nature of face-to-face interactions among students and between students and…

Historically, online instructors have primarily, if not solely, used asynchronous text-based communication to interact and communicate with students in online courses. However, despite this use, online instructors and students have expressed concerns and limitations with asynchronous communication. Research suggests that synchronous communication…

Synchrony, or the timing of information as it is exchanged between participants, has garnered increasing study in online learning. Within this domain is bichronous online learning (BOL), the blending of asynchronous and synchronous elements within one learning environment. Some research has identified mobile instant messaging as quasi-synchronous…

In an attempt to maintain social connection with a large lecture-style class, this teaching case describes how we used the Zoom Break-out Room function to run live discussion groups during fall 2020. Using a combination of Google Docs, Canvas, and Zoom one instructor and one TA describe how they managed to run discussions on contemporary tourism…

This article discusses a pedagogical technique for utilizing breakout rooms for small group discussions and synchronous drawing features in Zoom to create crowdsourced solutions to mathematical problems that involve graphing or visualization. Students begin with specific examples and then move quickly to the development of a more general…

Engagement is positively correlated with many educational outcomes. However, engaging learners in online learning is often challenging. In this study, a conceptual framework comprising five interrelated factors (instructors, learners, content, technology, and environments) was proposed. The purpose of the study was to explore how learners could be…

We have all made several transitions within our teaching practice since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic. After time reflecting and re-assessing my teaching pedagogies and practices, I have implemented many new-to-me online teaching tools with the intent to increase student engagement, empower student ownership of course content, and create a…

As institutions of higher education continue to offer online instruction, educators and administrators of presentational speaking courses must adapt their classes for various modes of online delivery. One primary consideration for adapting a presentational speaking course to online delivery is how students will experience communication…

Given that video conferencing serves as a crucial means for remote teaching, the current study investigated higher education students' (non)use of webcams and engagement in synchronous online courses. Three phases were studied: (1) A state of engagement; (2) antecedents that influence it; and (3) consequences of engagement. The cross-sectional…

Although online course enrollments have increased over the past two decades (Berry, 2017), low retention rates persist (Muilenburg & Berge, 2005; Ng, 2019) due to students feeling isolated and a lack of social connection with their instructor and classmates (Baxter, 2012; Lowenthal, 2009; Pinsk et al., 2014). High dropout rates have been…

This study employed Walsh's (2006) concept of classroom interactional competence to investigate the classroom interaction during synchronous online English language teaching. The data of this study is comprised of 8 40-minute video recordings of an EFL class at a state university's English preparatory program. The data belongs to the same group of…

The integration of technology-enhanced learning has significantly transformed educational practices, especially within DE contexts. Livestreaming, delivered through virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams, has emerged as a crucial tool for enhancing student engagement, supporting language acquisition, and improving teacher training. This…

In-person tutoring has been shown to improve academic achievement. Fewer studies have examined the impact of virtual tutoring and have focused on older students. We present findings from the first randomized controlled trial of virtual tutoring for young children. Students in grades K-2 were assigned to 1:1 tutoring, 2:1 tutoring, or a control…

This correlational cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 graduate students to explore their perceived social experiences with the use of synchronous videoconferencing in the online learning environment. By applying the theories of social presence and media richness, this study investigated the perceived relationship between social presence,…

This paper presents simple and intuitive strategies for effective online assessment of a freshman engineering course. The proposed strategies for unproctored online exams include creating multiple sets with identical options, using image-format questions, maintaining short duration of exam, and employing a rotational assignment. Unlike a…