Use of Synchronous e-Learning at University Degrees

Different types of Course Management Systems (CMS) are fully integrated in conventional and online courses in many Universities degrees. Although they are suitable for lecturer-student information sharing, their asynchronous nature prevents an efficient interaction, which may hamper the learning process. As an alternative, synchronous virtual learning platforms can help fill the gaps in traditional CMS. However, there is very little feedback regarding its use in higher education. The Universitat Politecnica de Valencia introduced in 2010 a synchronous e-learning platform, named Poli[ReunioN], an Adobe Connect-based online service. Poli[ReunioN] provides virtual sessions where interaction between lecturers and students is enabled by means of audio/videoconferences and software application sharing. By following this path, Poli[ReunioN] provides an opportunity for planning new educational experiences where technology may help to achieve new learning objectives. However, the implementation of this tool still needs to be explored. In order to check its usefulness, we have performed a multidisciplinary learning experience involving a wide range of subjects over several degrees: Private Telecommunication Systems (degree in Telecommunications Engineering), Algorithms and Data Structure (degree in Computer Sciences), English for International Tourism (degree in Tourism Management), Genetics and Plant Breeding (degree in Agricultural Engineering), and a specific course for teachers' training. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of Poli[ReunioN] in tutoring and in different learning activities proposed in the aforementioned degrees are discussed from both perspectives-lecturers and students. These experiences may help lecturers and other education professionals to adopt similar e-learning tools. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.