Dimdim: 
Synchronous, 
Online Learning
Randy Rodgers
Instructional Technology Specialist
Yesterday's
Classroom


Today's 
Classroom
Anytime...
Synchronous
Learning
Live,
Real-time
interactive
instant 
feedback
collaborative
Synchronous 
 learning tools
Educational
uses
Features of
Dimdim
Best
practices
Literature Review and References
Image credits
Distance Learning
Student collaboration
Professional development
Team planning
Anywhere
Constructivist
principles:
Learning is social
Archived lessons
Different learners, 
different learning styles.
Instructor, learner, & task
interact dynamically to create meaning.
Assessment occurs 
in context of learning;
instruction adapts.
Live broadcasting
of audio and video
Shared desktop
Shared browser
Private and 
public chat
Shared documents
Shared audio for
up to 4 participants
Up to 20 participants
in the free version
Shared whiteboard
Blend synchronous tools
with asynchronous or in-person
instruction.
Incorporate pre-recorded
multi-media when in-person
instruction is not possible.
Have clear expectations 
for pre-presentation 
assignments.
Provide any necessary
training before using 
synchronous tools.
Know your audience and
have clear learner
expectations/objectives.
Prepare for any needed technical
support. Provide a 
call-in number.
Identify and gather
any useful supplemental 
materials (handouts, media,
references, etc.).
Plan for assessment of
both student perfomance/
participation and session
effectiveness.
Carefully plan the session
components to fit within
allotted time.
Break presentation into 
"chunks", changing modalities 
and involving participants.
Monitor discussion to 
ensure participation by all
session attendees and solicit responses from less active ones.
Incorporate humor and sound
pedagogy (activate prior 
knowledge, check for 
understanding, etc.)
Personalize by soliciting
brief bios and photos of 
participants and emailing 
to other attendees.
Determine whether or not
the session will be recorded
and inform participants.
Include follow-up activities
that require participants
to apply knowlege gained.
Use the interactive whiteboard
and document mark-up tools
to involve participants.
Encourage participants to
use chat to ask questions.
To prevent interruptions,
have participants log on
10-15 minutes early.
Have a back-up plan, such
as screenshots or images
for uncooperative browsers
or videos.
Practice, practice,
practice!
Benefits:
Simple to use
Cost-effective
Cross-platform
compatability
Accessible from any
Web-connected computer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsinner/828798424/ 
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2992013920_4fd28eac2a_s.jpg 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkosut/2583927058/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/modrak/253347957/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianperedo/3426026328/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/togawanderings/3121450891/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edublogger/556885488/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewiselementary/3115424006/ 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beatsrhymesnlife/47161414/ 
Contact Me:
randyrodgersits<at>gmail<dot>com
http://mossfreestone.com
Synchronous learning tools facilitate
interaction, discussion, debate, and 
negotiation of meaning.
Synchronous learning incorporates
verbal, visual, and social learning
opportunities.
Students and instructors respond to
and reflect on learning objects, 
negotiating meaning.
Through chat and audio 
or video interaction, instructor
can adapt lesson to meet
needs of learners.
Reference:
Brandon, B. (2008)
Softare or web-based tools that
allow multiple users to communicate and
collaborate using audio, video, text,
shared desktops/browsers/whiteboards, 
and more! For example...
Groups of educators can share resources,
lesson plans, materials, etc. from multiple
locations.
Learners can use synchronous tools
to connect with not only instructors, but
any presenter with a computer and Internet 
connection, bringing distant content/experts
into the classroom (or other location).
Districts, campuses, and content providers
can efficiently offer professional learning opportunities
that fit the needs and schedules of educators.
The ability to record lessons and
save chat transcripts allows for review
and viewing by participants unable to
attend the live event.
Students can use synchronous tools
to collaborate with student partners across 
a campus or around the globe.