Faces or Fingers

Abstract

The use of synchronous sessions in online teaching is rising. In many online courses, students attend webinars, live lectures, and other audio/video sessions built to enhance course content. As more classes move online, there is a need for research that shows the effectiveness of synchronous sessions in both content mastery and community building. This chapter compares student participation in synchronous sessions in an online TESOL methods course in an effort to build community among class members. The synchronous methods compared include video webinars through Blackboard Collaborate (face chats), events in a private Facebook group (finger chats), and synchronous instant messaging (finger chats). Discussion focuses on interaction and community building in the different modes of synchronous chat. The chapter concludes with some suggestions for best practices that can benefit teachers who are looking for ways to enhance participation and build community in synchronous sessions in online courses.