Blended Synchronous Learning: A Handbook for Educators

Blended synchronous learning - where remote students participate in face-to-face classes by means of rich-media synchronous technologies such as video conferencing, web conferencing and virtual worlds - is an emerging phenomenon in education. More and more teachers are attempting to teach in this challenging mode, but without any systematic research evidence to help guide their blended synchronous learning practices. The Blended Synchronous Learning Handbook is a definitive resource that addresses this issue. It includes a Blended Synchronous Learning Design Framework that offers pedagogical, technological and logistical recommendations for teachers attempting to design and implement blended synchronous learning lessons. It also includes a Rich-Media Synchronous Technology Capabilities Framework to support the selection of technologies for different types of learning activities, as well as a review of relevant literature, a summary of the Blended Synchronous Learning Scoping Study, detailed reports of seven blended synchronous learning case studies, and an in-depth cross case analysis to underpin the recommendations that are drawn.

Matt Bower is a senior lecturer in technology in the School of Education at Macquarie University. 

Barney Dalgarno is an associate professor and the Associate Dean (Curriculum Learning and Teaching) for the Faculty of Education at Charles Sturt University.

Gregor Kennedy is Director of eLearning at The University of Melbourne and a Professor in the Centre for the Study of Higher Education.

Mark J. W. Lee is an adjunct senior lecturer with the School of Education at Charles Sturt University.

Jacqueline Kenney is the project manager of the Blended Synchronous Learning project, based at Macquarie University.