Includes bibliographical references (p. 147-150) and index.

About the author -- Learning, live online -- Synchronous interaction across the learning continuum -- Needs served by synchronous interaction -- The synchronous compact -- Indicators for real-time online learning -- Learner skills developed and assessed live online -- Real-time learning as good practice -- Contact between students and faculty -- Cooperation among students -- Active learning -- Prompt feedback -- Time on task -- High expectations -- Diverse talents and ways of learning -- Tools for learning in real time -- Text-based tools -- Live audio and video tools -- Content, display, and other interactive tools -- Real-time learning venues -- A moving target -- Chat rooms -- Instant messenger -- Multi-user virtual environments -- Virtual reference, tutoring, and help desks -- Virtual offices and virtual meeting rooms -- Virtual classrooms -- Interactive webcasting -- Webcasting or broadcasting -- In-class online aids -- Facilitating learning in real time -- Be a good host -- Inflate a bubble of concentration -- Be a ringmaster -- Use virtual body language -- Rely on others: you are not alone -- Use the synchronous dashboard -- Be prepared and manage crises -- Real-time online learning activities -- Magnetic brainstorms -- Stone soup -- Solo fishbowls -- Paired partners or dyads -- Cracker barrels -- Guest appearances and co-hosts -- Live blogging and cclogging -- Expeditions and virtual training labs -- Multiple venue productions or presentations -- Additional resources -- Further reading and related web sites -- Ten common misconceptions about synchronous instruction -- Scheduling synchronous interaction -- Buyer's guide: questions to ask when considering a synchronous tool.