Student Perceptions of a Synchronous Online Learning Experience: How Does It Compare?

The COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions to expand virtual learning options, with many providing more synchronous online courses using video conferencing technology. This case study explores the student experience in a newly synchronous online course using live remote sessions and compares their perceptions of learning in that environment with traditional in-person and asynchronous online courses. Learning more about the student experience in classrooms of various modalities is important as institutions continue to expand virtual learning options in higher education and workforce training. Students responded to an online survey, and responses were summarized and described categorically and descriptively. Albeit limited to a single course, the overall student response rated their experience in a synchronous online course at or below a traditional classroom learning experience. The live sessions did not adequately address the common shortfalls that often come with asynchronous online learning, including building a sense of community and connectedness with the instructor and fellow classmates. Due to the unprecedented times, the synchronous online modality was the only option provided to students for this class. Virtual learning opportunities are essential to meet the diverse needs of students in higher education, but synchronous online learning is not an automatic substitution for an in-person experience; students should be provided multiple modalities to choose the classroom environment that best fits their learning style.