Coursera said that live synchronous sessions are optimal for creating a space for collaborative problem solving, peer-to-peer interaction and personalized step-by-step guidance.

Linlin Xia and Alexandra Urban, from the Teaching & Learning Team at Coursera, described in seven points the best practices regarding live sessions:

 

1. Enhance course community

– Start with ice-breaker questions (e.g. what’s your favorite dessert) or virtual polls to get all students participating from the very beginning.

– Invite alumni or previous students from the course to share their learning tips.

– Encourage real-time community by asking students to submit messages, raise a hand, or use other tools within the virtual classroom.

 

2. Dive into key concepts

– Share your screen or use a virtual whiteboard functionality when the problem involves calculations, concept mapping, or images.

– Show step-by-step problem solving to guide students in your thought process.

– Make sure to pause and ask students questions throughout the session to ensure understanding.

 

3. Preview or debrief an assessment

– Collect questions from students about the specific project before the session.

– Walkthrough the purpose and benefits of completing this assignment.

– If it’s an open-ended project, allow students to share ideas with instructors or their peers and collect feedback.

– Address common pitfalls, as well as how mistakes can be avoided.

 

4. Conduct a live demonstration

– Make sure the code, software, or interface is large and clear enough for students to read.

– Zoom in on important elements to focus students’ attention.

– Talk through the process for conducting this type of simulation or problem solving, so students can recreate needed steps later on their own.

 

5. Initiate a team project

– Encourage peer-to-peer learning through specific prompts and clear deliverables desired.

– Use virtual breakout rooms with separate video conference links for each student-group to discuss.

 

6. Highlight a guest speaker

– Send a summary of the guest’s background and expertise before the session, so students can prepare.

– Collect questions from students ahead of time to add structure to the meeting.

– Add interactive and reflective elements to help students apply what they’re hearing and encourage the guest to brainstorm alongside the students. when possible

 

7. Create virtual office hours

– Let each student or team sign up for 10 to 15-minute slots of time at least one week ahead.

– Ask students to submit their questions before the event so you can use the time most efficiently and center on the most frequently asked questions.

– Send out beforehand which topics will be covered to pique students’ interest to attend.