Abstract:

This usability study presents methods and technology to effectively utilize interactive real-time tools for remote synchronous teaching scenarios. Online asynchronous course delivery is a well-established practice with many robust platforms and effective assessment tools. However, with the unanticipated and immediate need to switch to remote synchronous teaching during the pandemic, many educators were left with only a handful of resources to work with, such as web cameras, screen sharing, and cloud-based document sharing. This usability study explores real-time audio/video technologies to enable a multi-layered video feed on popular and existing video conferencing platforms, effectively allowing the seamless implementation of advanced content and input such as learning glass simulations, slide integration, multi-camera demonstrations, audio improvement, and collaborative presentation tools. The primary goal is to explore the combination of available technology that is not disruptive during a lecture and brings professional broadcast tools and high quality to a virtual classroom with only one instructor who controls every aspect of the system. The study includes practical information on how to connect and integrate the technologies.

Keywords:

Asynchronous teaching, real-time technology, interactive tools.