Synchronous communication technology
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Synchronous communication technology
W. Jonathan Barnes, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Definitions and background
Synchronous communication (SC) is direct communication that occurs in real-time (Mabrito, 2010; Wang, 2008). It is incorporated into distance education through technologies such as instant messaging, chat rooms, and audio and video conferencing (Chui, Yang, Liang & Chen, 2010). Although audio and video conferencing are growing in popularity, text-based chat services still remain the most popular form of synchronous communication technology (SCT) (Chui et al., 2010). Software such as Adobe Connect, Elluminate LiveTM and Horizon WimbaTM (now known as Blackboard CollaborateTM) are real-time communication software used to access the technology needed for SC (Martin, Parker, & Eyarzun, 2013). They also include other tools such as shared applications and whiteboards, emoticons, hand raising, and a class voting function (Murphy, Rodriguez-Manzanares & Barbour, 2008; Chui et al., 2010). Freeware versions of similar software include DimDimTM and WiziqTM (Martin, Parker, & Oyarzun, 2013).
Recent and rapid improvements in technology have made the use of SC in distance education viable (Ng, 2007) and more widely used (Hrastinski, 2006). In the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as much as 60% of distance instruction occurs synchronously (Murphy & Rodriguez-Manzanares, 2008b). This type of synchronous distance instruction is often referred to as a virtual classroom (Murphy & Coffin, 2003).
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