Synchronous

ToolsNatalie Fonseca

EDTL 506

Fall 2012

Synchronous Tools Synchronous tools enable real-time

communication and collaboration in a "same time-different place" mode. These tools allow people to connect at a single point in time, at the same time. Synchronous tools possess the advantage of being able to engage people instantly and at the same point in time. The primary drawback of synchronous tools is that, by definition, they require same-time participation -different time zones and conflicting schedules can create communication challenges. In addition, they tend to be costly and may require significant bandwidth to be efficient.

Chat rooms

Voki is a free online service and web 2.0

tool that allows you to create

personalized speaking avatars. These

avatars can then be embedded in any

online space that accepts html, such as a

website, blog or wiki.

I personally love the voki. I use it in my

classroom all the time. The students enjoy

listening to someone else besides me.

Instant messaging Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the

Internet, that offers quick transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver. In push mode between two or more people using personal computers or other devices, along with shared clients, instant messaging basically offers real-time direct written language-based online chat. The user's text is conveyed over a network, such as the Internet. It may address point-to-point communications as well as multicast communications from one sender to many receivers. More advanced instant messaging allows enhanced modes of communication, such as live voice or video calling, video chat and inclusion of hyperlinks to media.

I have never used instant messaging before.

Videoconferencing

Skype is a free program that turns your

computer into a worldwide

videoconferencing system featuring text

(instant messaging) capabilities, file

transfers, and even the ability to call

landline telephones.

I like Skype because it is easy to use and

its free.