double take

Following these simple guidelines facilitates your learning and contributes to a better experience for all. These rules extend the standard practices and courtesies of the classroom to the online environment.

Rule 1: Minimize Distractions

Turn off e­mail and phones and clear your area so you are less tempted to do other tasks while participating in your live event. It’s hard to divide your attention and still be a focused and active member of your group. Moreover, if your event is using audio, distracting and annoying background noises such as keystrokes and paper shuffling may be heard by other participants through your computer, microphone, or telephone.

Rule 2: Participate

The synchronous environment is ideal for interaction. Your active participation keeps you engaged and moves the event along. Be ready to have the leader call on you by name at any time, as there are no physical cues to indicate whether you are paying attention.

Rule 3: Raise Your Hand

The leader is not able to see if you are confused or have something to add. So follow their instructions for how to raise your hand. You might select the raised hand icon from the dropdown Status menu in the Attendee List pod, type and send your question or comment using the Chat pod, or speak out at the suggested times.

Rule 4: Be Patient

The leader is probably juggling many tasks, including presenting content, facilitating participation and conversation, and responding to questions and comments. Give him or her time to respond to you.

Rule 5: Stay in Contact

Let the leader know if you need to leave. If you leave temporarily, let the leader know when you return.

These rules are adapted from: Hofmann, Jennifer. 2004. The Synchronous Trainer’s