Synchronous computer mediated communication refers to software that requires users to be on-line at the same time and permits an illusion of real time communication. Many softwares enable asynchronous communication, often at a speed which seems instantaneous, indeed much of the earlier work on the use of email in education applauds the instant nature of the feedback. However, anyone who has spent fruitless moments waiting for an email response will no longer be impressed by this once much vaunted aspect. Synchronous CMC softwares may well include an asynchronous facility such as MOO mail or ICQ messaging that encourages the user to leave notes for users not on line at the time.
Participants are present in the conversation.
This presence makes an interesting difference in the nature of the synchronous CMC experience. It is this anarchic environment that is so fascinating. Synchronous CMC environments offer the same ambience as a live environment in many ways. Many synchronous CMC environments feature histories and have been the subject of anthroplogical enquiry. A number of research mprojects have explored use of synchronous environments with the educational context.