Synchronous communication takes place in "real-time." It is a phone call instead of a letter. This type of communication general requires more bandwidth - the faster the internet connection and the computer, the better.

Advantages: This technology requires very little from the user's perspective, just the Macromedia Flash Player 6, which is already installed in many browsers. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can use both audio and video in your presentation -- provided you have a web camera and microphone. A custom application can be built for instructional use. Example chat with audio or video (if you are using an iSight, ctrl-click on the video box and choose settings. Click on the camera and choose IDC FireWire Video. If you want to use the audio from your iSight, click the microphone and choose iSight.)

Disadvantages: This technology requires advance preparation on the part of the instructor. The more complicated the application, the more time it will take your ATS Liaison to create it.

Advantages: This application exists within your Blackboard course and requires no intervention by any technology staff. To access the virtual chat, click Communication and Collaboration. The "Office Hours" chat is a lightweight version that is good for typing back and forth if you do not want to present slides or point an entire class to various materials. The "Lecture Hall" format presents many additional options including: a whiteboard, a group browser, the ability for students to ask questions, the ability to excuse students from the chat room.

Disadvantages: This application is built with a java technology. Your students may be required to download the necessary plug in. This can be difficult if your students are accessing the chat from an internet café or from work.

Advantages: Instant messaging is free, fast, and fun. This is a great way to communicate with students during virtual "office hours". If you use iChat, you can even chat with audio or video.

Disadvantages: Difficult to host multiple chats at the same time.