Since the beginning of the Corona pandemic the term synchronous teaching has often been heard. Synchronous teaching refers to the simultaneous teaching at different learning locations. Synchronous teaching takes place, for example, when using Zoom or Big Blue Button. Students can interact actively and in real time with the teacher or with each other, but are in different locations (cf. Solmon & Verrilli 2021:21).
Synchronous teaching can create a similar working atmosphere to face-to-face teaching, as teachers can better identify when there is ambiguity, assuming a camera is on. Additionally, students have the opportunity to talk, discuss, and exchange ideas with each other in breakout sessions. In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages: Due to hour-long meetings, concentration is often lacking, or internet problems or inadequate technology make teaching more difficult. Especially in language classes, it is important that learners have good equipment, otherwise listening in a foreign language can be very difficult. But also the own transmission must be done via a working microphone, otherwise it is difficult for the teacher and the other learners to understand the pronunciation.
Literature:
Solomon Hannah; Verrilli Beth (2021): Unterricht im digitalen Klassenzimmer. So meistern Sie die neuen Herausforderungen, Weinheim: Wiley, pp. 21-39.