Synchronous sessions should be focused on a purpose. Just as with face-to-face meetings and class sessions, there should be an explicit purpose for gathering everyone in the same "place" (your Zoom room) at the same time. For this reason, it is helpful to provide your students with an agenda and sense of structure for the session. Two easy ways to do this are by using a Google Doc agenda that you share with students in Canvas, or by using a module structure on your Canvas site directly. See the examples below:

Providing Choices

Synchronous sessions can be most impactful when providing students with various opportunities to participate that are not available asynchronously. Depending on the size of your class, some of these activities may include:

• Breakout rooms: If using a breakout room for a small group activity, be sure to provide a framework for students. Set clear parameters, build in time for an icebreaker, and consider using other materials to encourage live collaboration such as Google Slides or Docs, Padlet, Jamboard or other tools. Post the parameters, expectations and needed materials clearly in the session agenda.

• These materials are not only helpful for the students, but they also serve as evidence of student learning for instructors.

• Chat: The chat feature of Zoom can be cultivated to encourage participation in a way that will augment the discussion and learning. Explore this article which discusses ways that you can set expectations for the chat feature so that it complements your instruction.

Planning Synchronous Sessions