Online conferencing is a type of synchronous learning whereby learners and their teacher interact in real time, and when used effectively can form part of a successful blended learning model. This form of online learning affords learners the flexibility of accessing and engaging with learning material from anywhere, but is restrictive in terms of time commitment (Kyofuna, 2014). As such, it is important that teachers consider the use of this method very carefully. Teachers and learners can use an online conferencing tool within their existing learning platform or use a third party tool.
It is important that online conferencing is used in a targeted manner for learning opportunities that truly benefit from this kind of interaction.
Google Meet is a video conferencing tool for schools that use Google Workspace for Education. This video shows how Google Meet can be used by teachers to support online teaching and for screensharing.
Microsoft Teams is the hub for collaboration in Office 365. It has a video conference feature that can be useful to support distance learning.