Synchronous Learning in an Asynchronous Environment for Orientation, Intervention, Interaction, and Students Retention

This chapter demonstrates the author's perspective, practical experience, and personal reflection on effective practices in hosting the synchronous sessions in the asynchronous (online) courses offered at a large public university in the USA. The author hosts the web-based video sessions (webinars) using the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra™ to orient the students at the beginning of the course and motivate and guide the students at regular intervals throughout the semester. The author describes how the online video sessions helped in enhancing students' learning experience which in turn helped increase the students' retention in the courses. The author also describes the challenges in hosting the synchronous webinars and suggests possible ways to overcome them.