Let’s be honest: “live session” doesn’t automatically mean “live learning.”
We’ve all been there - on Zoom, muted, camera off, multitasking like a champ while someone lectures for 60 minutes. Not exactly a learning experience worth remembering.
Synchronous learning - whether online or in-person - has enormous potential. When done right, it creates real-time engagement, community, and immediate feedback. However, it must be designed, not just scheduled.
Here’s how to make the most of your synchronous instruction time and create learning that learners actually want to show up for.
1. Design the Session, Not Just the Slide Deck
A slideshow isn’t a lesson. Think like a producer:
- What should learners be doing every 5-10 minutes?
- How will you balance delivery, interaction, and reflection?
- What’s the rhythm or flow of the session?
🎯 A great synchronous session isn’t a monologue - it’s a conversation. Plan for that.
2. Set Expectations and Ground Rules Early
Learners engage more when they know what’s expected of them.
At the start:
- Let them know how to participate (mic? chat? emoji reactions?)
- Share the agenda visually
- Set tone and norms (e.g., “camera optional but encouraged,” “chat is open for discussion”)
- Give them a reason to want to engage
🧭 Think of this as setting the GPS before the drive.
3. Use Active Learning Techniques - Early and Often
If your learners haven’t interacted in the first 10 minutes, you’ve lost them.
✅ Try:
- Quick polls or openers (“What’s your experience with this topic?”)
- Think-pair-share (even in chat or breakout rooms)
- Interactive slides (like Mentimeter or Padlet)
- Real-time problem solving in groups
- Whiteboard brainstorming
💡 Learners should be talking, typing, or doing - not just sitting.
4. Design with Bandwidth and Access in Mind
Synchronous ≠ always “on camera.”
Be mindful of:
- Accessibility (captioning, screen reader compatibility, color contrast)
- Internet bandwidth (recordings, slide PDFs, mobile access)
- Time zones (consider alternating times or sharing materials asynchronously)
📱 Make it easy to participate from a phone, tablet, or shared device if needed.
5. Use the Tools Thoughtfully - Not Just Because They’re There
Breakout rooms, polls, whiteboards, chat, reactions - they’re great. However, only if they align with your learning goals.
📌 Ask yourself:
- Is this tool helping learners engage with the content or each other?
- Will it enhance understanding, or just fill time?
🚨 Avoid tool overload. One well-used chat prompt beats 12 unused bells and whistles.
6. Balance Structure and Flexibility
You need a plan - but don’t hold it so tightly that you miss teachable moments.
✔️ Build a timed agenda (with breathing room)
✔️ Be ready to slow down or pivot based on learner questions
✔️ Have 1–2 backup activities in case of tech issues or early finishes
🧘 Structured spontaneity = instructor calm + learner trust.
7. Include Reflection and Closure
Don’t just end with “Any questions?”
Instead:
- Ask learners to share their biggest takeaway in chat
- Use a 1-minute reflection prompt
- Pose a “next step” challenge or application
- Offer a clear preview of what’s next
🧠 Closure helps learning stick—and gives your session a sense of purpose.
8. Follow Up Thoughtfully
The learning doesn’t stop when the call ends.
✅ Send:
- A summary or quick recap
- Links to shared resources or tools
- A discussion thread for continued conversation
- An optional reflection or journal prompt
- Office hours or next steps for support
✨ Good follow-up makes live learning feel worth showing up for.
Wrapping It Up: Make It Worth the Synchronous Seat
Designing synchronous learning isn’t just about delivering content in real time. It’s about creating shared experiences that deepen understanding and connection.
Because if you’re going to ask people to be there, make it matter that they were.
🐾 Your Turn!
What’s your favorite way to keep learners engaged during live sessions? Any pet peeves about virtual meetings? Drop a comment or tag @SilverCalicoLLC—we’re building a better live-learning experience, one chat box at a time.