Title:	BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE CONFERENCING
Author(s):	Iris Wunder
ISBN:	978-989-8533-57-9
Editors:	Pedro Isaías
Year:	2016
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	Synchronous Online Conferencing
Type:	Reflection Paper
First Page:	299
Last Page:	302
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	The study explores the benefits and drawbacks experienced when using synchronous online conferences. The use of virtual learning environments has become more or less standard at universities; however, the current literature falls short specifically investigating synchronous online sessions in virtual classrooms. Given the increased popularity of using synchronous elements for audio/video-conferencing, this work is concerned with addressing possible benefits and drawbacks of using virtual classrooms. Grounded Theory is employed to combine Glaser’s (2012) approach with Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) ideas, where three forms of coding are used to analyse the data further. Data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with three purposefully selected individuals, who teach at universities offering courses with a blended-learning approach in Germany and the UK. In this paper I present the core category, communication, and its relationship with the categories technology, social interaction and learning in synchronous online conferences. To summarise, all participants see more benefits than drawbacks of using a virtual classroom to meet synchronously both for the purpose of sharing and constructing knowledge and creating common visions. However, the results were controversial regarding the use of webcams in and the recording of virtual classroom sessions.
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